**Wout van Aert's 'Career Best Performance' Key to Simon Yates' Giro Victory, Says Team Head**

Wout van Aert's remarkable output during Stage 9 of the Giro d'Italia in Siena has been labeled as a "career best performance" by Mathieu Heijboer, head of performance at Visma-Lease a Bike. Van Aert's extraordinary effort played a vital role in supporting Simon Yates, who clinched victory in that stage.

During Stage 20, the Belgian cyclist broke away from the group early and was instrumental in the valley section, helping to bring Yates closer to the finish line in Sestriere. Yates had already launched an assault on the penultimate climb, and Van Aert’s relentless pace over the Colle delles Finestre was pivotal to the duo's success.

Heijboer highlighted that Van Aert had achieved his best-ever one-hour performance on the Finestre climb, underscoring the exceptional unity within the team. "Wout van Aert did a one hour career best performance actually," Heijboer noted, reflecting on the stage. "He never rode faster for one hour than on the Finestre. He did all of that to make it over the top so he could support Simon in the last 15 kilometers and I think that says it all."

The head of performance attributed this success to the collective commitment and shared goals within the team, emphasizing how thorough preparation had paid dividends, especially in the crucial final stage.

Keith Lambert, a former mentor to Yates from British Cycling, described Yates’ race strategy as "stealthy." This subtle approach allowed him to remain a formidable contender despite the turbulent and competitive early stages of the Giro, culminating in his victory in Siena.

Heijboer echoed this sentiment, praising the overall team effort. "Simon did a super good climb on the Finestre, but when you look at the Giro as a whole, I think as a team we really brought him in every time into a good position and he profited a lot from our other goals, like sprinting with Olav Kooij," he stated.

The collective effort, strategic planning, and a bit of luck in avoiding crashes, according to Heijboer, were crucial in securing their front positions throughout the race, showcasing the strength and quality of the team.