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Wout van Aert's stunning victory at Paris-Roubaix is rooted in a pivotal moment from the Tour de France, where he defeated Tadej Pogačar. This victory eight months prior reshaped his mental approach to racing.
Van Aert, the only rider to drop Pogačar in 2026, showcased his strength on the iconic Montmartre slopes, winning solo on the Champs-Élysées. This triumph marked his first Tour win in three years and only his second victory of the previous season. Speaking during a virtual ride on Rouvy, Van Aert reflected on how beating Pogačar boosted his confidence.
He acknowledged the psychological shift that occurred after that day, stating, “It certainly did something for my morale. It made me realize that I had something left in my legs. A new mindset was born.” Despite facing challenges like a fractured ankle and doubts leading up to Roubaix, Van Aert persevered.
He admitted to feeling exhausted during the race build-up but regained his hunger by the weekend. This resilience, combined with his mental transformation, propelled him to victory at Paris-Roubaix, proving that mindset is as crucial as physical strength in cycling.
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