Watch: Wout van Aert puts cross skills to good use on Strade Bianche final climb
The Belgian cyclocross star struggled up the final climb in Siena after a storming performance in Strade Bianche 2018


Despite being a three-time cyclocross world champion, no-one expected Wout van Aert (Veranda’s Willems-Crelan) to be in with a chance of winning the prestigious Italian Classic Strade Bianche.
But the 23-year-old put in a storming performance in the rain and mud to breakaway with Romain Bardet (Ag2r La Mondiale) and finish third behind the Frenchman and winner Tiesj Benoot (Lotto-Soudal), who attacked the pair on the final gravel climb with 12.3km remaining in the race.
>>> ‘It’s pure cycling’: Romain Bardet and Wout van Aert flourish on Strade Bianche debuts
But clearly the 184km route and gruelling climbing took it's toll on van Aert at the very end of the race, where the riders take on a steep ascent in Siena towards the finish in Piazza del Campo.
In a video captured by a Kingston Wheelers member and posted on Twitter, the efforts in the race seemed to hit the Belgian on the final climb where he was unable to keep momentum before dropping his bike and was sent sprawling to the ground.
Luckily, as Bardet rode off ahead of him, he was able to pick up his bike, push it further up the climb before remounting and riding on to claim third place, putting his cyclocross skills to good use.
Van Aert is pushing into proper Classics campaign on the road this year, having already ridden Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and appearances in Ghent-Wevelgem, Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix all on the cards.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
He said he approached the race on Saturday in Italy with a 'nothing to lose' mentality - one which clearly helped him claim the unexpected third place.
“I have nothing to lose, I came out of the cyclocross season and I came in wanting to learn," van Aert said. "Sometimes you learn more by trying then not trying at all. That was my mindset.”
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Follow on Twitter: @richwindy
Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.
An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).
-
Tom Pidcock’s Q36.5 receive Giro d’Italia wildcard invite along with Tudor Pro Cycling
Team Polti Visit Malta and VF Group BardianiCSF - Faizane also receive invitations from RCS
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Be seen all year round with 35% off Magicshine bike lights in the Amazon Big Spring Sale
This is your last chance to seize a deal on some of the best bike lights with daylight running features. Act fast, as the sale ends at midnight tonight
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
-
Tadej Pogačar commemorates Strade Bianche crash with limited edition t-shirt - here's how you can buy it
Part of profits from new t-shirt will go to world champion's charity foundation
By Tom Davidson Published
-
How to watch Tirreno-Adriatico 2025: Everything you need to live stream the Italian early-season stage race
All the key information on broadcasters and live streams for Tirreno-Adriatico on March 10 - 16, so you can watch the Italian stage race - one of the early season's best races.
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I came pretty close' - Tom Pidcock left with mixed feelings after finishing second to Tadej Pogačar at Strade Bianche
Pidcock explains he didn’t want to ‘take advantage’ of world champion’s 'unfortunate' crash
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'Not the best way to win a race' - Tadej Pogačar comes back from dramatic crash to claim third Strade Bianche victory
World champion in 'a lot of pain' after falling into a ditch
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tadej Pogačar crashes into ditch at Strade Bianche, remounts bike to continue
World champion goes on to win race following rare crash
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'We f****** did it' - Demi Vollering wins Strade Bianche battle against former coach Anna van der Breggen
FDJ-Suez rider claims victory with stinging uphill sprint
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'There's nothing we can do' - Tadej Pogačar is 'almost impossible to beat', says Alberto Bettiol
The world champion is the overwhelming favourite to win Strade Bianche on Saturday
By Tom Davidson Published
-
How to watch Strade Bianche 2025: Everything you need to live stream the Italian gravel Classic
All the key information on broadcasters and live streams for Strade Bianche on March 8, so you can watch the Italian Classic - one of the season's best races.
By Adam Becket Published