Wout van Aert Soaks Up Tenerife Sunlight While His Fellow Cyclists Brave Harsh Weather in Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico

The early spring months bring a sense of anticipation in the world of professional cycling as riders gear up for the season’s most iconic events—the spring classics. However, for many cyclists, this time of year is also marked by grueling conditions on the road. Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico, two of the most prestigious stage races, have recently been testing the riders’ resilience, with brutal weather conditions that have made the already challenging races even more punishing. The riders battling through rain, cold, and wind in France and Italy are, in some ways, doing so out of necessity as they prepare for the upcoming classics. But amid this suffering, one rider has found a different way to prepare—Wout van Aert.

While his teammates and fellow competitors face the relentless cold and rain, Van Aert has chosen to take his training to the sun-drenched roads of Tenerife, an island in the Canary Islands renowned for its excellent conditions for endurance training. Van Aert’s decision to train in the sunshine contrasts sharply with the adversity his peers are experiencing in Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico. While others are wrapped in layers of clothing to stave off the cold, Van Aert is soaking in the warmth, preparing for his spring classics campaign in what can only be described as a luxury training environment.

The weather conditions in the ongoing Paris-Nice race have been far from favorable. The riders started the race under torrential rain, cold temperatures, and strong winds that only made the stages even more taxing. Wednesday’s stage, in particular, proved to be a nightmare for many. Oliver Naesen, a Belgian rider participating in the race, voiced his frustration with the organizers, particularly regarding how they handled the severe weather. The situation was so dire that the queen stage of the race had to be shortened due to the extreme conditions.

Amidst these hardships, Naesen couldn’t help but highlight the stark contrast between his experience and that of Van Aert’s. In a candid interview with HLN, Naesen shared how he and his teammate Sander De Pestel were following Van Aert and Tiesj Benoot’s Instagram stories and remarked, “Wow, things look a lot better on Tenerife.” It was a moment of lighthearted banter amid the relentless struggles of the race, but it also underscored the luxury that Van Aert had in choosing his training environment.

This contrast brings to the forefront the different paths cyclists must take in their preparation for the season. While many riders face the grind of difficult stage races, with Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico offering little respite from the elements, Van Aert has opted for a different approach. His decision to train in Tenerife—where the climate allows for longer, more consistent training sessions without the added stress of inclement weather—has given him a distinct advantage in terms of preparation. It’s a well-known fact that Tenerife’s diverse terrain and favorable weather have made it a go-to destination for cyclists in need of high-altitude training and a break from unfavorable conditions.

However, this luxury is not one that most riders can afford. In fact, many cyclists are essentially “stuck” in the brutal conditions of Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico. With only around 500 WorldTour riders, a large portion of them must take part in these races to prepare for the upcoming spring classics, regardless of how miserable the weather may be. As Naesen pointed out, riders like himself, Yves Lampaert, and Sander De Pestel have little choice but to endure. “Whether you want to or not in preparation for the classics, it’s just part of the job,” Naesen admitted, speaking with a resigned tone.

For many riders, the struggles in races like Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico are an unavoidable part of their preparation. The sheer volume of points, prestige, and importance of these events means that they cannot simply opt-out in favor of more pleasant training locations. The fact that they must endure these miserable conditions speaks to the demanding nature of professional cycling and the often harsh realities of the sport.

While Van Aert enjoys the sunny roads of Tenerife, soaking in the warmth and ideal conditions, his competitors battle through the relentless weather of Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico. For them, it’s all part of the journey toward the spring classics, where they will all face the next big challenge of the season. As for Van Aert, his time in Tenerife might give him a much-needed edge in preparation, but it’s clear that the true test for every rider will come when they line up at the start of those iconic races, no matter the weather.