‘They went a little too far’ - Van Aert critical of Vuelta course but leaves Monaco satisfied

Wout van Aert believes parts of the Vuelta a España’s opening time trial were “a little too technical” after his bid for the first red jersey ended with eighth place in Monaco.

The Visma | Lease a Bike rider finished the 9.2km test nine seconds behind Tadej Pogačar, who edged Ethan Hayter by just 0.09 seconds to take the stage and the first maillot rojo of the race.

Van Aert had openly targeted victory and the race lead before the start, but the twisting Monaco course offered limited opportunity to fully exploit his power.

“The surroundings were really unique and it was special to be able to race here on closed roads and on the Formula 1 circuit,” Van Aert told Sporza afterwards. “I enjoyed that, but at certain points it was too technical and a little on the limit, especially through the park and around the marina.”

The Belgian had already expressed reservations about the route before the race, but he was reluctant to use it as an explanation for his result.

“It’s absolutely no excuse,” he said. “I’m satisfied with my time trial and I have to be. I gave everything.”

Van Aert instead pointed to his own approach through some of the most demanding corners as the place where the biggest difference was made.

“I know I left some time in the corners,” he said. “I took a little less risk there, but that was my own choice.”

His physical condition, meanwhile, gave him reason for encouragement. “The legs were good, so again, I’m happy with it,” Van Aert said.

Eighth place was not what he had travelled to Monaco for, but the size of his deficit means his ambition of wearing red has not disappeared.

Van Aert made clear that staying within striking distance of the race lead had been an important secondary objective if victory proved beyond reach.

“I definitely wanted to finish within that margin,” he said. “Of course I started with the aim of fighting for the win, but being close also gives me satisfaction.”

That nine second gap keeps the red jersey within reach on Sunday. Stage 2 finishes uphill in Manosque after 215.2km and more than 3,000 metres of climbing, a profile that should suit Van Aert.

With ten bonus seconds available at the finish for the winner, Visma | Lease a Bike will have every reason to keep the race under control.