Wout van Aert has started a week of Italian races that will conclude on Sunday with the World Gravel Championship in the Veneto region. The Belgian rider is not getting distracted by the possible merger between Soudal Quick-Step and his team. “This is not bad for us. We are still focused on the current season, of course,” he told the Belgian news channel VTM before the start of the Coppa Bernocchi.
“But it keeps us busy, for sure,” Van Aert added. “Everyone is professional enough to complete these races as it should be. There is no stress in our team.”
Julian Alaphilippe also spoke to the press before the start of the Coppa Bernocchi. “We don’t know much,” said the Soudal Quick-Step cyclist. “We are trying to focus on the race and hoping the situation will resolve itself, that we will have good news. Because it’s sad.”