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“He can be very hard on himself at times”: Wout van Aert’s teammates relieved to see him win again
For Wout van Aert, winning is never just about crossing the line first—it’s about proving something to himself. Known for his relentless drive, almost surgical attention to detail, and fierce internal standards, the Belgian cycling star has long been one of the sport’s most admired and versatile athletes. But his teammates have often seen the weight he places on his own shoulders. That’s why, when van Aert returned to the top step of the podium recently, the victory resonated far beyond the time gaps and finishing photos. It was a moment of collective relief and quiet joy for those who know how hard he works—and how hard he can be on himself.
After a challenging season plagued by injuries, near misses, and criticism from the media and even himself, van Aert’s recent win felt like a turning point. His performance was vintage Wout: tactical intelligence, raw power, and an unrelenting drive to finish what he starts. But this time, it wasn’t just about what he did—it was about what it meant.
A Long Road Back
The 2024 season had been an emotional rollercoaster for van Aert. A brutal crash early in the spring classics season saw him sidelined for several weeks. As a rider known for his consistency and year-round form, being forced to watch from the sidelines was mentally taxing. Despite making a remarkably swift recovery and returning to competition sooner than many expected, the results didn’t come immediately.
“He was struggling, you could see it,” said one of his Jumbo-Visma teammates after the win. “Not just physically—he was questioning everything. That’s the hardest part for someone like Wout. He gives everything, and when things don’t go right, he takes it personally.”
The frustration boiled over publicly during the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, two monuments where van Aert was expected to contend but ended up empty-handed. Cameras caught glimpses of his disappointment—head down, avoiding interviews, retreating into himself.
“Wout holds himself to incredibly high standards,” said team director Grischa Niermann. “Sometimes too high. He’ll finish second or third, and instead of being proud, he’s analyzing every second he lost. It’s part of what makes him great, but also what makes it tough for him.”
A Moment of Redemption
The breakthrough came at a smaller stage race, far from the pressure cooker of the spring classics. Van Aert timed his attack to perfection, powering away solo in the final kilometers and holding off the chasers. It wasn’t the most prestigious win of his career, but in many ways, it might have been one of the most important.
As he crossed the line, van Aert didn’t celebrate wildly. There was a quiet fist pump, a nod to the crowd, and a visible exhale. But behind the scenes, his teammates were elated.
“We all know what he’s gone through,” said Sepp Kuss. “To see him get that win again, to see that little smile come back—it lifted the whole team.”
“It’s more than just a result,” added teammate Tiesj Benoot. “It’s a weight off his shoulders. He’s back.”
Why It Matters
Van Aert’s versatility—excelling in time trials, sprints, mountain stages, and cyclocross—has earned him a reputation as one of the most complete riders in the peloton. But that same versatility has brought its own challenges: an expectation to win everywhere, all the time. The pressure, both external and self-imposed, is immense.
“He’s not just competing against others—he’s competing against his own expectations,” Niermann explained. “That’s a tough battle, especially when things aren’t going your way.”
This win, however modest in the broader calendar, gave van Aert something he desperately needed: affirmation. Not just from the outside world, but from within.
Looking Ahead
With renewed confidence, van Aert now turns his attention to the summer, including the Tour de France and the Olympic Games. His team is hopeful that this victory is a springboard, not just for results, but for a healthier mental approach.
“We want Wout to be happy, not just successful,” said Kuss. “He gives so much to the team. Sometimes he forgets to give something to himself.”
For van Aert, perhaps the most important lesson isn’t how to win races, but how to embrace the process—even when it hurts. And with his teammates behind him, reminding him of his worth beyond the podium, the road ahead looks promising.
As the peloton rolls on, Wout van Aert rides not just for victory, but for balance, belief, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing he’s enough—even on the days he forgets it.
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