Wout van Aert Returns to Training, Strava Shows He’s Ready

**Wout van Aert** hit the training roads again on 5 July 2026, and Strava metrics confirm his mountain legs are firing, a key sign ahead of the spring classics.

The Belgian’s Strava profile logged three rides over the weekend, each exceeding 150 km with average gradients above 6 %. On Saturday he tackled a 22‑km climb in the Ardennes at 5 min 45 s per kilometre, a pace that matches his pre‑injury power numbers. The data, posted publicly, shows a steady power output of 380 watts, indicating he’s not holding back.

Van Aert missed the early‑season races after a crash in March that forced him out of the Tour of Flanders. Returning now gives him a window to sharpen his climbing before the Liège‑Bastogne‑Liège week. His team, **Team Jumbo‑Visma**, relies on his versatility-sprint, classics, and now a stronger climbing edge. The Strava spikes suggest he’s targeting the hilly classics rather than pure sprinters, a tactical shift that could reshape his race calendar.

Team director **Johan Bruyneel** posted a comment on the platform, noting the “consistent power and smooth cadence” as a positive sign. Rival **Tadej Pogačar**, who also posted a Strava climb that day, posted a friendly jab: “Nice work, Wout-the mountains are indeed calling.” The exchange highlights the growing rivalry for podium spots in the upcoming Ardennes races.

The next public ride is scheduled for 12 July 2026, a 200‑km loop around the Flemish hills that includes the iconic **Muur van Geraardsbergen**. Analysts expect him to use that effort as a final tune‑up before the **Amstel Gold Race** on 21 August. If his Strava numbers hold, he could challenge for a top‑three finish, something he hasn’t achieved since his 2022 podium.

Fans tracking his Strava feed will see real‑time updates on power, heart‑rate zones, and elevation gain. The transparency builds a stronger connection, turning each climb into a shared experience. Social media buzz has already spiked, with the hashtag **#VanAertIsBack** trending on Twitter.

A strong return from a rider of van Aert’s caliber forces other teams to reassess their tactics. If he can combine sprint speed with mountain endurance, rivals may need to protect their leaders more aggressively in the hilly sections. The upcoming weeks will reveal whether his training translates into race results, but the data so far paints an optimistic picture.