Van Aert disappointed by UCI tech ban but backs his chances in Roubaix

The Belgian Visma | Lease a Bike riders arrives in northern France in strong form, having impressed during the Spring Classics, and is targeting at least a podium finish in what remains one of his biggest career goals.

“My legs are good,” Van Aert said to Sporza at the team presentation. “I’m among the stronger riders in the race. At the Tour of Flanders, I rode a very solid final. That gives confidence heading into Roubaix.”

While he stopped short of making bold predictions, Van Aert expects a selective race. “It’s always a very tough race where, at some point, the legs will decide. I think there will be significant gaps again.”

However, part of the pre-race discussion has centred not on form, but on technology. Team Visma | Lease a Bike had planned to use the Gravaa adjustable tyre pressure system, designed to allow riders to adapt tyre pressure during the race, a potential advantage on Roubaix’s brutal cobbles.

That plan was blocked by the UCI, which ruled the system non compliant just days before the race.

Van Aert admitted the decision was a disappointment. “It’s a shame,” he said. “It’s a great innovation and something the team invested a lot in. But it’s not something I can control, so I haven’t let it distract me.”

The UCI defended its position in a statement sent to Domestique, stating that the system created an uneven playing field as it was not sufficiently accessible to the wider peloton. According to the governing body, equipment used in competition must be commercially available to all teams, a condition it believes is not currently met following uncertainty around Gravaa’s availability.

That interpretation has been challenged by both the team and the manufacturer, who insist the system can still be ordered and delivered within the required timeframes. Visma have indicated they intend to appeal the ruling after the race.

Speaking to Domestique the founder of Gravaa, Gertjan van Ginderen, told that the system has been available on the market - and still is - for worldwide shipping within the timelines set out by the UCI.

“Our system meets the UCI requirements,” Van Ginderen said. “We can invoice within 30 days and deliver within 90 days.”

He also pointed to a notable detail regarding the governing body itself. “The UCI recently placed an order with us. The invoice was sent today [Friday], and the product will be delivered next week after payment, within the required timeframes.”

For Van Aert, though, the focus remains firmly on Sunday.

He expects the race to ignite early, particularly in the approach to the Trouée d’Arenberg, where positioning has become increasingly decisive in recent editions. “In the past, the whole peloton would head into Arenberg together,” he said. “Now you see that the selection is made much earlier.”

After a series of near misses in Roubaix, including finishes of second, third and fourth, Van Aert knows opportunities do not come easily.

“When will I be satisfied? That depends on how the race unfolds,” he said. “But I’m going at least for the podium.”