Second to none, and second to everyone

Wout Van Aert continues his frustrating run of near-misses, with the recent E3 Saxo Classic and Gent-Wevelgem serving as the latest examples. Despite a powerful showing and undeniable strength, the Visma-Lease a Bike leader found himself outmanoeuvred or out-sprinted, ultimately securing second place in both races. This pattern of being "second to none, and second to everyone" highlights a season where the top step of the podium in major classics has remained tantalisingly out of reach for the Belgian star.

This string of silver medals is particularly poignant given Van Aert's immense talent and the high expectations surrounding him, especially with Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogačar often his direct rivals. His career, while illustrious, is peppered with these 'almost' moments in the biggest one-day races, creating a narrative of a rider who is consistently among the very best, but often just a fraction short of ultimate glory. With the Tour of Flanders looming, the pressure to convert these strong performances into a definitive win is palpable.

Ultimately, Van Aert's current form is undeniably strong, but the consistency of his second-place finishes suggests a tactical or timing adjustment is still needed. One can only hope his believers are more patient than the peloton.