With a big block of training at the altitude of Tenerife at his feet, Wout van Aert is heading to the center of spring classics with a high desire to tour Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. But he will be missing teammate Christophe Laporte in Friday's warm-up race, the E3 Saxo Classic.

Laporte was on Van Aert's side for the victory at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne last month, but felt ill during Milan-San Remo and was forced to abandon Capo Berta at less than 40km.

"It's a big loss for us. Hopefully a few days of rest will do him good for the rest of the classic season," Van Aalto said.

Visma-Lease Bike Director sportif Grischa Niermann, however, managed to get reinforcement for the team.

"Even without Christophe, we still have an excellent team at the start," Neillman said of Friday's World Tour race.

Tiesj Benoot resumes activity with E3Saxo Classic after suffering a small fracture to the sacrum in a crash during Volta ao Algarve.

This season, Van Aal is determined to fill some gaping holes in his impressive Palmares, namely the tour of Flanders and Paris・Roubaix

to improve a pair of podiums at Roubaix and a single runner・up finish in the tour of Flanders. Van Aalto skipped Milan-Sanremo, recorded more than 75 hours of training and climbing over 50,000 meters, and chose to spend 3 weeks on altitude training.

"The last 3 weeks have been going well," Van Aalto said. "I spent a lot of time in a quiet and beautiful environment and completed my entire schedule. Of course, it's always exciting to try something new. I have often responded well to training camps at altitude. I'm sure it will be the same this time.

After a shortened cyclocross campaign, Van Aart raced one day in Spain and Volta ao Algarve before Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, but Niermann expects the change to be the right decision.

"Wout hasn't raced many races yet, but he was strong on the opening weekend. We expect him to come back well from his advanced training. After Paris Roubaix, we will know if we have made the right choice," Neillman said.

Van Aert will get some answers in E3Saxo Classic.

"The E3 is very similar to the tour in Flanders," Van Aalto said. "It's a nice race. I want to know how strong I am after advanced training. I have felt good all winter and have kept my biggest goal in mind.

Van Aart will skip Gent-Wevelgem this weekend and use Dwars door Vlaanderen as his last race before his key goal at the end of the month.

Unlimited access to all coverage of the Spring classics, including coverage, breaking news and analysis from Paris Roubaix, tours in Flanders, Strad Bianchi and more. Learn more.