Van Aert’s Giro Win Highlights a Different Story: ‘Wout Has Security, But He Earns the Bare Minimum’
Wout van Aert’s spectacular triumph at the 2025 Giro d’Italia was a defining moment in a career already decorated with classics wins, stage victories, and relentless grit. His victory, however, has done more than just etch his name in the annals of cycling history—it has cast a spotlight on an undercurrent that speaks volumes about the business of professional cycling. The Belgian star’s Giro win underscores not just athletic excellence, but a broader, more sobering narrative: despite his stature, Van Aert remains one of the sport’s most undervalued icons.
On the surface, Van Aert’s Giro performance seemed like a storybook finish. After years of near-misses and selfless domestique work for his teammates, this was finally his moment to shine in a Grand Tour. With searing attacks in the mountains, relentless time trial efforts, and unmatched tactical awareness, Van Aert showed he was more than a classics specialist—he was a complete rider. But even as fans and media celebrated his long-awaited victory, murmurs within the cycling community pointed to a different, less visible story. One that’s not about jerseys and podiums, but about contracts, compensation, and respect.
“Wout has security, but he earns the bare minimum,” said a source close to the Belgian’s camp. The statement reveals a tension that’s been brewing quietly for years. Despite being one of the most consistent and versatile riders in the peloton—someone capable of winning cobbled classics, sprint stages, mountain breakaways, and time trials—Van Aert has long been underpaid relative to his impact. Riders of lesser palmarès often command higher salaries due to team dynamics, agent negotiations, or simply being at the right place at the right time.
Part of the reason lies in Van Aert’s own personality. Never one to play diva, he has often sacrificed personal ambition for team goals. His loyalty to Jumbo-Visma (now Team Visma | Lease a Bike) has seen him give up potential stage wins to support Primož Roglič or Jonas Vingegaard in their yellow jersey pursuits. That selflessness, while noble, has also come at a cost. In a sport where individual success often dictates commercial value, Van Aert’s reputation as a team player may have inadvertently limited his bargaining power.
Moreover, the economic structure of pro cycling remains fragile. Unlike sports like football or basketball where television deals and centralized revenues boost wages across the board, cycling relies heavily on sponsorships. Teams come and go based on the whims of corporate backers, which makes long-term financial planning difficult for riders and management alike. Riders like Van Aert, who provide immense value in exposure and brand identity, often don’t see that reflected proportionally in their paychecks.
It’s also worth noting that Van Aert’s crossover appeal is vast. He is not just a fan favorite in Belgium; his popularity transcends national boundaries. From the Tour de France to cyclocross circuits, his work ethic and sportsmanship have earned him global admiration. Despite this, he reportedly earns a fraction of what some of his peers make, many of whom have narrower skill sets or less marketability.
The contrast between Van Aert’s accomplishments and his compensation raises uncomfortable questions. Is cycling rewarding the right people? Are team dynamics and unwritten rules limiting riders like Van Aert from maximizing their worth? And, perhaps most critically, what does this say about how the sport values loyalty, versatility, and humility?
His Giro win may, in fact, be a turning point. In claiming a Grand Tour, Van Aert has expanded his resume in a way that demands reconsideration from sponsors, fans, and the cycling establishment. If nothing else, it strengthens his negotiating hand. Whether he uses that leverage to renegotiate his current deal, seek a move to a new team, or advocate for systemic change remains to be seen.
One thing, however, is certain: Wout van Aert is no longer just the super-domestique, the cross-discipline specialist, or the eternal runner-up. He’s now a Grand Tour champion—a title that commands respect and, ideally, a paycheck to match.
For all the joy his Giro victory has brought, it also casts a spotlight on how professional cycling still has ground to cover when it comes to rewarding its stars. If the sport wants to retain talents like Van Aert, it must start paying them not just what they’re worth on paper, but what they’re worth to the very fabric of the sport.
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