'We'll certainly not make that same mistake again' – Can Wout van Aert and Visma take revenge at Dwars door Vlaanderen a year on from three-against-one tactical blunder?

Visma-Lease a Bike's head of racing, Grischa Niermann, has publicly addressed the team's tactical misstep at last year's Dwars door Vlaanderen, stating they "will certainly not make that same mistake again." On the eve of Wednesday's race, Niermann expressed confidence in Wout van Aert's form, positioning him as the leader and suggesting a more refined strategy to avoid a repeat of the 2023 scenario where Van Aert was outmaneuvered by Soudal Quick-Step.

This declaration carries significant weight given the historical rivalry and the team's recent dominance. Last year, Van Aert found himself isolated against three Quick-Step riders in the finale, ultimately losing to Christophe Laporte in a tactical blunder that cost him a potential victory. With Laporte absent due to illness and Van Aert's form seemingly peaking, the pressure is on Visma to execute. This race is a crucial stepping stone towards the Tour of Flanders, making tactical precision paramount for the Dutch squad.

Niermann's public admission of past error signals a clear intent to learn, or perhaps, to subtly apply pressure. Whether this translates into flawless execution on the cobbles, however, remains the enduring question for cycling's current juggernaut.