Visma-Lease a Bike has ambitious plans for the Giro d'Italia, focusing on both general classification (GC) and stage victories. Wout van Aert, a Giro newcomer, is particularly eager to win the pink jersey early on, after missing his debut last year due to a crash. The team will also support Simon Yates in the GC while Olav Kooij focuses on sprint stages. Van Aert expects competitive stages and hopes to capitalize on flatter terrains and a pivotal time trial to seize the lead early in the race, fulfilling his Grand Tour aspirations.
"Personally, I'm targeting the more demanding stages. That could mean a sprint from a reduced group or a long breakaway," Van Aert said ahead of the race start in Albania.
"The Giro traditionally offers plenty of those types of stages. I'm really excited to finally make my debut in the Giro d'Italia. We all know what happened last year, so I'm especially glad to finally be here. Racing in Italy always gives me a special feeling."
"As well as winning stages, Van Aert hopes that success in the first part of the Giro, where there are some flatter days, and a stage 2 time trial that suits him, could result in him taking the race lead early on."
"That's definitely a goal this month. I've also worn the leader's jersey in both the Tour and the Vuelta. It would be a dream to wear the pink jersey in the Giro as well."
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