'My goal is to win' - Van Aert declares victory ambition ahead of Sanremo comeback

The Belgian knows what it takes to win La Primavera after he beat Julian Alaphilippe in 2020 in a tense two-man sprint to the line after the duo escaped clear from the pack on the Poggio. It marked the first of what felt like was going to be many monument victories in the career of the Belgian. 

As it happens, heading into the 2026 edition of La Primavera, it remains the sole monument on the Belgian’s palmares as it stands, still an illustrious one at that. 

A plethora of factors have hampered Van Aert’s chances at victory in the biggest one-day races in recent years. The latest being a fractured ankle following a crash at the Zilvermeercross in Mol on January 2. 

After a race against the clock to be ready for the new season, Van Aert is now up and running and arrives at Milan-Sanremo off the back of a solid week of building form at Tirreno-Adriatico. The Belgian was active in the race, supporting Matteo Jorgenson to 2nd in the GC, whilst battling in the mix for stage victories. 

Speaking after the sixth stage of Tirreno-Adriatico, where he had tried a late attack, Van Aert stated that “Patience is a virtue,” indicating that the Belgian’s confidence was also building alongside his form.

This year marks a return to the first Monument on the calendar for Van Aert for the first time since 2023. In his five participations at the race, Van Aert has finished no lower than 8th, and has finished on the podium in three editions, including his win in 2020.

“I skipped Milan–Sanremo for a few years, but I definitely wanted to start there again this season,” Van Aert said in a Visma press release. “The race is one of the most beautiful on the cycling calendar. I really enjoyed watching last year’s exciting edition, so it’s extra motivating to be back at the start soon.”

During his week at Tirreno Adriatico, Van Aert described the positive takeaways ahead of what is a key period with many major goals for the Belgian, including the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, and stated that the goal for Sanremo is to win.

“Overall, I’m satisfied with how I felt during those races. I had a good week at Tirreno–Adriatico, where I was able to test myself several times. I’ve done everything I can to be ready,” said Van Aert. 

“It’s the start of an important month with many top classics. I hope to be competitive everywhere. I’m not starting as the top favourite, but my goal is to win the race. I absolutely believe in my chances. Milan–Sanremo is a race where many scenarios are possible,” added Van Aert.

Visma | Lease a Bike has reason to feel a sense of injustice with the start of the season, as multiple riders have been ruled out of a race at short notice due to injury or illness. 

Jonas Vingegaard missed the UAE Tour due to illnesses sustained following his training crash in Malaga, and Van Aert was ruled out of Omloop Nieuwsblad after illness.

The latest setback is the withdrawal of Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne winner Matthew Brennan from the start list of Milan-Sanremo. Despite the absence of Brennan, Visma are still able to field a strong line-up alongside Van Aert.

Jorgenson also features following his strong Tirreno, as does Christophe Laporte, who finished 4th at Omloop Nieuwsblad.

“We can rely on a strong group. In addition to Wout, riders like Matteo (Jorgenson) and Christophe (Laporte) have shown in recent races that they are in good form," said Visma | Lease a Bike Head of Racing Grischa Niermann. "With them, we can certainly play a role in the finale. We head to Milan with a lot of ambition." 

Edoardo Affini, Owain Doull and Timo Kielich complete the core of the team; meanwhile, Victor Campenaerts has replaced Brennan.