It was one of the points of tension during the Tour: Wout van Aert missed the stage win in the Tour and did not receive any help from Jonas Vingegaard. In the documentary made by the team, we see pictures of the two of them on the bus after that trip.
Yesterday Visma-Lease a Bike presented its documentary about 2023: “The Comprehensive Trilogy”. It focuses on the team's victories in the Giro, Tour and Vuelta and gives us a look behind the scenes of the team.
Even in less good moments, such as after the second stage of the 2023 Tour. Wout van Aert was the favorite to win the stage in San Sebastian, but in the last kilometer Victor Lavay escaped and our compatriot ended up cursing the wheel in second place. .
Then in the documentary you see images that have never been shown before:
Van Aert throws his water bottle and also enters the team bus, cursing.
“how is that possible?!” (At Kempin) “Guys, right!”
Immediately afterwards, Jonas Vingegaard, who had not done any pioneering work at that point as a racer, entered the bus. “I should have chased. Sorry.”
Van Aert: “I'm not angry about the way he led us, but I'm angry because I made a mistake. For the second day in a row. Damn it!”
I don't blame Jonas at all.
Woot Fan Art in “All In”
The press jumps at Van Aert's anger and sees a dispute within the team, but it is clear from the pictures that there is no argument between Van Aart and Vingegaard.
“This is also part of the tour. The media is trying to look for problems that don't exist,” Vingegaard says in the documentary about the incident.
A day later, Van Aert spoke at a team meeting. “I want to apologize for getting angry. I wasn't angry with anyone or the way we were driving.”
“I'm just disappointed. You have to understand that I've already missed a few times this year (points to spring, ed.). It doesn't seem quite right.”
When Van Aert looks at it now, he still thinks the same thing: “I don't blame Jonas at all. I thought it was a shame that my disappointment after the race was immediately linked to the fact that I was angry with Jonas.” “.
Van Aert had another reason. “I had a pregnant woman at home and I wanted to win as quickly as possible, because I might have to go home at any moment. Maybe that's why my reaction was more extreme than usual.”
Wout van Aart and Jonas Vingegaard on tour 2023.
“Giving Wout freedom makes him a better assistant.”
For many observers and journalists, that trip was an example that Van Aart sometimes falls into the trap of Team Visma, and that he should be able to drive more on his own.
Van Aart himself sees no problem with this. “Being a servant and also getting it done at other times has actually worked for me. It's easier to just be a servant or get it done, but it's less fun.”
Two-time Tour winner Vingegaard realizes this too. “By giving Wout the freedom to achieve his own results, it also makes him a better assistant.”
Watch the trailer for the documentary
The documentary “All-in: The Trilogy” will be available on Amazon Prime from March 16.
Related:
“Subtly charming internet specialist. Avid writer. Friendly alcohol guru. Music ninja. Devoted social media fanatic.”
More Stories
End of Vuelta ordeal: Belgian hope Lennert van Eetvelt out of Tour
This was a powerful opening ceremony for the Paralympics, steeped in symbolism and French charm.
Mathias Delorg helps KAA Gent reach sixth straight European group stage