Within the dynamic realm of professional cycling, Wout van Aert stands out as a uniquely accomplished all-rounder whose rise to fame has captured the imagination of fans and cyclists around the globe.
From his humble beginnings in cyclocross to his remarkable transition to road racing success, Wout’s tale is one of unyielding perseverance, commitment to excellence, and a burning desire to redefine what can be achieved on a bicycle.
Come along as I delve into the extraordinary journey of this multifaceted athlete and explore the elements that have catapulted Wout van Aert to the zenith of the cycling world.
Stage wins
- 9x Tour de France stages : 9 (‘22, ‘21, ‘20, ‘19)
- 5x Critérium du Dauphine stages (‘22, ‘20, ‘19)
Classics
- Milan-San Remo (‘20)
- Strade Bianche (‘20)
- Amstel Gold Race (‘21)
- Gent-Wevelgem (‘21)
- Omloop Het Nieusblad (‘22)
- E3 Saxo Classic (‘23, ‘22)
General classification
- Tour of Britain (‘21)
- Tour de France Points Classification (‘22)
Cyclocross
- UCI World Championship (‘18, ‘17, ‘16)
U23 and Juniors
- U23 UCI World Championship (‘14)
- U23 CX European Championships (‘14)
Early life and introduction to cycling
Born on September 15, 1994, in Herentals, a small town in the heart of the Flanders region of Belgium, Wout van Aert was destined for greatness from a young age.
Hailing from a family of avid cyclists, it’s no surprise that he would inherit the love for two wheels. His father, Henk, was a talented amateur cyclist who recognized Wout’s potential early on and nurtured his passion for the sport.
Wout van Aert’s journey into competitive cycling began at the tender age of six, when he entered his first cyclocross race. Despite falling and finishing last, Wout’s determination was unwavering. He once recalled in an interview,
“I remember that day clearly,” . “I had tears in my eyes, but I knew I wanted to get back on the bike and try again.”
Wout van Aert
With encouragement from his parents, Wout continued participating in local races, quickly making a name for himself as a formidable young talent. As he progressed through the ranks of junior and under-23 competitions, it became evident that his passion and fierce competitive spirit would propel him toward a bright future in professional cycling.
Dominating cyclocross
Cyclocross, a demanding and gritty off-road discipline, has long been integral to Belgian cycling culture. By combining elements of road racing and mountain biking, cyclocross requires riders to navigate a mix of muddy, sandy, and grassy terrain, often forcing them to dismount and carry their bikes over obstacles.
Wout van Aert honed his skills in this challenging environment and laid the foundation for his remarkable career.
Early successes and rapid rise in the ranks
As a junior rider, Wout van Aert quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the cyclocross world. With an innate ability to navigate treacherous courses, he showcased a rare combination of power, agility, and tactical intelligence.
In 2012, Wout placed second in the Men Juniors UCI World Championship in Koksijge, finishing 8 seconds behind Mathieu van der Poel. This cemented his status as a rising cycling star and his decade long rivalry with Mathieu.
Wout’s dominance continued in the U23 category, where he claimed the 2014 U23 World Championship title in Hoogerheide, the location that had inspired him five years earlier.
“Winning in Hoogerheide was incredibly special for me. It felt like I had come full circle and was a testament to how far I had come.”
Wout van Aert
Rivalry with Mathieu van der Poel
A defining aspect of Wout van Aert’s cyclocross career has been his intense rivalry with Dutch phenom Mathieu van der Poel. The two riders have pushed each other to the limit, trading victories, and championships throughout their careers.
Their battles have captivated fans and brought new excitement to the sport, with many drawing comparisons to the storied rivalry between Belgian legends Eddy Merckx and Roger De Vlaeminck.
In a 2018 interview, Wout acknowledged the importance of their rivalry, stating,
“Mathieu and I have a healthy competition that brings out the best in both of us. We both want to win, and our races often come down to the wire. It’s what makes cyclocross so thrilling.”
Wout van Aert
Notable cyclocross wins
Wout van Aert’s cyclocross career reached its zenith between 2016 and 2018 when he secured three successive Elite Men’s World Championships titles. He also claimed three successive Belgian National Championships during this period, asserting his national and international dominance. He would go on to win again in 2021 and 2022.
These victories and numerous World Cup and Superprestige race wins solidified Wout’s status as one of the all-time greats in cyclocross. Even as he shifted his focus toward road racing, Wout continued to excel in the discipline, most recently winning the 2021 UCI Cyclocross World Cup in Overijse.
Wout van Aert’s prowess in the muddy, unforgiving world of cyclocross shaped him into the versatile and formidable competitor he is today. It was a launching pad for his astonishing success in road racing and beyond.
Transitioning to road racing
Despite his unparalleled success in cyclocross, Wout van Aert also harbored ambitions to conquer the road racing world.
A major turning point came in 2016, when Wout joined the Vastgoedservice–Golden Palace team, which allowed him to explore his potential on the road while maintaining his cyclocross career.
In an interview, Wout revealed his motivation behind the transition,
“I’ve always admired the greats of road racing, and I wanted to test my limits in a new discipline. Cyclocross laid the groundwork, but I was hungry for more.”
Wout van Aert
Adapting to a new discipline
Wout van Aert’s transition to road racing was not without its challenges. Accustomed to cyclocross’s short, intense efforts, Wout initially struggled to adapt to the longer distances and strategic nuances of road racing. Despite these early setbacks, he showed incredible resilience and an unwavering commitment to self-improvement.
One such example is Wout’s first participation in the Tour of Flanders in 2018, where he finished ninth despite suffering a mechanical issue. His performance demonstrated his immense potential and foreshadowed the future successes that awaited him on the road.
Breakthrough performances
Wout’s breakthrough season came in 2019 when he spectacularly announced his arrival on the road racing scene. His impressive victories at the Belgian National Time Trial Championships and third place at the prestigious semi-classic race, Strade Bianche, marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
However, his jaw-dropping performance in the 2019 Tour de France Stage 10 truly cemented his status as a road racing powerhouse. Wout claimed his first Tour de France stage win in Albi, showcasing his sprinting prowess against Elia Viviani and Caleb Ewan.
On his Tour de France debut, Wout said,
“That race changed everything for me. It gave me the confidence to believe that I could compete with the best and fueled my desire to reach even greater heights on the road.”
Wout van Aert
Competitive on all fronts
Wout van Aert’s versatility sets him apart from many of his contemporaries, as he has proven himself capable of excelling in various race formats.
From grueling one-day classics to punishing Grand Tours, Wout has consistently demonstrated an uncanny ability to adapt and thrive in varying conditions, earning him a reputation as one of the most well-rounded riders in the peloton.
Time trial successes
Wout’s prowess in time trials is particularly noteworthy, given that specialist riders traditionally dominate it. His rapid progression in this discipline is a testament to his relentless work ethic and commitment to perfecting his craft.
Some of his most notable time trial achievements include his back-to-back wins (2019, 2020) at the Belgian National Time Trial Championships, back-to-back wins on Stage 20 in the Tour de France (2021, 2022), and his silver medal at the 2020 World Championships in Imola.
In a recent interview, Wout’s coach shared insights into his time trial success,
“Wout is a natural competitor with an insatiable appetite for improvement. He has spent countless hours refining his time trial position and equipment, and the results speak for themselves.”
Impressive results in one-day classics
Wout van Aert’s performances in the one-day classics have been remarkable. His victory at the 2020 Milan-San Remo, the first Monument of the year, and Strade Bianche, where he conquered the grueling white gravel roads of Tuscany showcased his grit and determination.
Wout’s wins in the 2022 Omloop Het Nieuwsbald, 2021 Amstel Gold Race, and Gent-Wevelgem further solidified his status as one of the world’s premier classics riders.
These victories, combined with podium finishes in the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, underscore Wout’s ability to excel across various courses and conditions. As one cycling commentator aptly put it,
“Wout van Aert is the embodiment of a true all-rounder. He can sprint, climb, time trial, and battle the elements with the best of them.”
Grand Tour stage wins
Wout’s success in the Grand Tours has been equally impressive. His first stage win in the 2019 Tour de France was just the beginning. He had two stage wins in the 2020 edition.
In the 2021 Tour de France, he won three stages; a flat, hilly, and individual time trial stage. His win on Stage 11 saw him drop Julian Alaphilippe and Bauke Mollema on Mont Ventoux.
At the finish, Wout said,
“Maybe it’s my best victory ever. It’s because of the way I did it. Finishing alone on a mountain stage at the Tour de France is definitely not something I expected a few years ago. It’s an iconic mountain on the Tour. Mont Ventoux is really a place of history, and also it’s an area where a lot of Belgians spend their holidays and come out to support the race.”
Wout van Aert
This solidified his skills and pedigree as an all-rounder cyclist who can climb and spring, which is rare in modern professional cycling.
Off the bike
Family life and marriage
Away from the bike, Wout van Aert is a devoted husband to his wife, Sarah De Bie, whom he married in October 2018. The couple first met in high school and supported each other through the highs and lows of Wout’s career.
In a candid interview, Wout spoke about the importance of Sarah’s support, saying,
“She’s been by my side through everything, and her unwavering belief in me has been a constant source of strength.”
In July 2021, the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Georges. Wout’s new role as a father has given him a fresh perspective on life and added motivation to continue pursuing his cycling dreams.
“Becoming a father has been the most incredible experience of my life. “It’s given me a new sense of purpose, both on and off the bike.”
Wout van Aert
Hobbies and passions outside of cycling
Like many professional athletes, Wout van Aert recognizes the importance of maintaining a balanced life beyond his sporting career. He has a wide range of interests outside of cycling that helps him unwind and recharge.
One of Wout’s favorite pastimes is cooking. As an athlete with specific dietary needs, he has developed a keen interest in nutrition and enjoys experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. In an interview, Wout revealed,
“Cooking allows me to relax and be creative while also fueling my body for the demands of my sport.”
Wout van Aert
Wout is also an avid music lover, fond of rock and alternative genres. He often listens to music while training and has attended several concerts and music festivals during the off-season. His taste in music is diverse, ranging from classic rock legends like Led Zeppelin to contemporary acts like the Arctic Monkeys.
Secret to success
The foundation of Wout van Aert’s success lies in his rigorous and carefully planned training regimen. Combining elements of his cyclocross background with road racing-specific workouts, Wout has developed a unique and highly effective approach to his training.
His dedication to pushing the limits and constantly seeking improvement has undoubtedly contributed to his extraordinary sports achievements.
Balancing training and recovery
A key aspect of Wout’s training philosophy is striking the right balance between intense workouts and adequate recovery. He typically alternates between high-intensity interval sessions, endurance rides, and time trial-specific efforts, ensuring he covers all aspects of his performance.
In a recent interview, Wout explained the importance of recovery in his training regimen;
“It’s essential to listen to your body and give it the rest it needs. Proper recovery allows me to return to training with renewed energy and focus, ultimately making me a stronger and more resilient athlete.”
Wout van Aert
Off-the-bike conditioning and strength training
Wout also incorporates regular off-the-bike conditioning into his training schedule, recognizing the importance of overall fitness and strength. His strength training routine focuses on core stability and functional movements, improving his power on the bike also helps prevent injuries.
Wout’s strength coach shared insights on his approach to conditioning, stating,
“Wout is a highly disciplined athlete who understands the value of a well-rounded training program. His dedication to strength and conditioning has played a crucial role in his ability to excel in multiple disciplines.”
The role of sports science and technology
Wout van Aert’s training is further enhanced by his commitment to staying at the forefront of sports science and technology. He regularly consults with sports scientists, nutritionists, and physiologists to optimize his training, nutrition, and recovery strategies.
Wout also embraces the latest technology in his training, using power meters, heart rate monitors, and other advanced tools to track his performance and make data-driven adjustments to his training plan. This data-driven approach has allowed him to fine-tune his training and achieve new performance levels.
Mental preparation and focus
A key component of Wout’s success is his mental strength and unwavering focus. He has developed a strong mental game through visualization, mindfulness, and goal-setting techniques, which help him stay motivated and resilient in the face of setbacks and challenges.
In a recent interview, Wout shared his thoughts on the importance of mental preparation;
“Cycling is as much a mental sport as it is a physical one. My ability to remain focused and mentally tough, even in the most challenging moments, has been a critical factor in my success.”
Looking ahead
As Wout van Aert continues to make his mark on the professional cycling scene, his goals and aspirations remain ambitious. With his proven ability to excel in various disciplines, he has set his sights on achieving even greater success in the coming years.
His objectives include further victories in the one-day classics such as Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix which are still missing from his already impressive palmares, and more stage wins in Grand Tours.
In a recent interview, Wout outlined his aspirations;
“I’m always looking to push myself and see what I can achieve in this sport. My ultimate goal is to leave a lasting legacy and be remembered as one of the greatest cyclists of my generation.”
Wout van Aert
Shaping the future
As cycling continues to evolve, Wout van Aert is poised to shape its future significantly. His versatility and adaptability have inspired a new generation of cyclists to explore their potential across various disciplines.
As the lines between traditional cycling categories continue to blur, Wout’s success serves as a reminder that it is possible to excel in multiple areas, breaking down barriers and redefining what it means to be a professional cyclist.
Inspiring the next generation
Wout van Aert’s journey, from his humble beginnings in cyclocross to his meteoric rise in road cycling, is a powerful source of inspiration for young cyclists worldwide. As he looks to the future, Wout has expressed an interest in mentoring and guiding the next generation of riders.
“I’ve learned so much throughout my career, and I’m eager to share my knowledge and experience with the younger generation. It’s essential to give back to the sport and help cultivate the talent that will shape the future of cycling.”
Wout van Aert
Wout’s legacy
When Wout van Aert eventually decides to hang up his wheels, he will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in professional cycling. His versatility, tenacity, and commitment to excellence have earned him numerous victories and the admiration and respect of fans and fellow cyclists.
As cycling continues to evolve, Wout’s career is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and pursuing one’s dreams. His story will undoubtedly inspire generations of cyclists, encouraging them to break boundaries and redefine what is possible in professional cycling.
Race results
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