Wout van Aert talks about the loss of coach Marc Lamberts to Bora-Hansgrohe, saying that the 12-year-old, who has been by his side for 61 years, is "very deep in my heart."

The Belgian rider will work with another coach for the first time in his professional career in 2024 as Lambert switches to the German team. Primošroglić, who confirmed his imminent departure from Jumbo-Visma, is also heavily associated with the move to Bora-Hansgrohe.

On Monday, Van Aalto dedicated his victory at Coppa Bernocchi to Lambert, 2 days after learning about the move. Speaking to Het Nieuwsblad, Van Aert said he feels "regretted" having to find a new coach but "wants the best" for Lamberts.

"It's not yet clear who will be my coach. "But it is different in many ways. Mark was my first, so far, only trainer. I regret that I had to change.

"Marc is very deep in my heart. I understand his decision because I want to do my best for him. It was probably the last chance for him to change.

Van Aalto said it was emotional to hear the news from Lambert and moved his mind when he headed to Italy to finish the season.

The 29・year-old recorded his fifth victory of the season at the Coppa Bernocchi and before turning his attention to the UCI Gravel World Championships over the weekend on Thursday, in Grand Piedmont

"I was very emotional when he told me the news," Van Aalto said. "For me, it's the end of the era. Mark and I always stay in touch and meet each other. We spent too much time together and couldn't say, "Thanks, that's all." That's right, this was on my mind when I left for Italy last weekend.

Van Aalto has worked with Lambert since he was 17 and has improved as his career progressed under the coach, winning many major victories along the way.

Van Aalto did not reach the 2023 monument and victory at the Tour de France, but said these are still his "best years" and under the new coach

"I know I can still get better ・ these are my best years" Van Aalto said. - Said Aalto. "I have to make sure I keep paying attention to every detail and this team has enough knowledge to do that. Getting out of my comfort zone may not do any harm.

"I was not asking for this. I look at it positively and strongly believe in a new start. Everyone is getting better, so I also have to improve. Anyone who continues to play for 2 years at the same level will get worse. I have to get better if I want to stay competitive.

Van Aalto concluded by saying he knew what he had to do during the offseason in terms of training plans and workloads, but noted that putting a coach like Lambert on his side would only help prepare for the new season.

Even if we don't know yet who will replace Lambert, there will surely be new people who will help him this winter.

"The coach is very important to me," he said. "OK, I have my experience and I certainly don't panic about Mark's departure.

"I know very well what I have to do, but it's very important to have someone on your side who will guide you through the season and analyze the data. If you have to do it yourself, you lose a lot of energy, and sooner or later you begin to have doubts."