Cyclo-cross world champion Wout Van Aert never expected to win the 2016 Tour of Belgium prologue, let alone beat the three-time time trial world champion Tony Martin (Etixx-Quick Step) but that's precisely what the 21-year-old did Wednesday. The Belgian, who rides for Crelan-Vastgoedservice, covered the 6km course in 6:52 minutes to claim his first professional victory in the road and pull on the first leader's jersey of the race.
"I never expected this," said Wout Van Aert. "Of course I was hoping to do well. Together with my coach Marc Lamberts I really looked forward to this Tour of Belgium. But winning the prologue? No, that exceeds expectations.
"It was really suffering, because I did not have the impression that I was really doing well. I have to especially thank my coach because I have less experience with such time trials. I followed his advice.
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A humble Van Aert, who went for McDonalds after his 'cross world win back in January, added that he was still coming to terms with his win but at the same time wouldn't be getting carried away with it.
"I beat a legend. It was really tough. I did not really have such a good feeling and therefore it surprised me that I had done such a good time," he added. "I even wonder how I did this up, I amaze myself. The condition must be good. I got a victory in my first road race in Belsele. Now I'm the best in the prologue of the Baloise Belgium Tour. That was an unlikely scenario. I try to peak for the national championships. After all, I must only focus on the coming cyclocross season, but I cannot deny that I take pleasure from this."
While Van Aert and his Continental teammates will face a tough ask to keep the jersey, he explained that they aren't intimated by the bigger teams and could cause another upset.
"The results show that we are strong," he added. "Of course Etixx-Quick Step, Lotto-Soudal and other World Tour teams are stronger in depth. But do not underestimate Crelan-Vastgoedservice. This year we have taken a big step forward. I want to silence those who claim that we have a less good team. Our team is able to control the race. Be sure of that."
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