Wout van Aert is one of the biggest stars in professional cycling. The Belgian rider for Visma-Lease a Bike has made his mark on both the road and cyclocross scenes, winning major races like Milan-San Remo, the E3 Saxo Classic, and multiple Tour de France stages. Known for his fierce rivalry with Mathieu van der Poel, Van Aert is a fan favorite with a fascinating backstory. Here are 21 things you may not know about him.
1. He Studied Computer Science
Before becoming a professional cyclist, Van Aert studied computer science at Thomas More University in Geel, Belgium.
While at university, he was often told off for being on his phone in class by his teacher Anne Hannes.
3. A Belgian Lille, Not a French One
Van Aert grew up in Lille, Belgium—a small town not to be confused with the French city of the same name.
4. Cycling Runs in the Family
His uncle, Jos van Aert, was also a professional cyclist, competing in six Grand Tours between 1989 and 1993.
5. Racing Since Age 8
Van Aert’s cycling career started early; he competed in his first race at just eight years old.
6. University Cover Star
In 2014, he was featured on the cover of his university’s student magazine, Amore.
7. The Red Bull Helmet
Unlike his teammates, Van Aert wears a Red Bull-branded helmet, thanks to a unique sponsorship deal.
8. The ‘Flying’ Celebration
After winning stage four of the 2022 Tour de France, he flapped his arms like a bird at the finish line. He denied it was a nod to Red Bull’s slogan, but the company still used the image in ads.
9. Blonde Since 16
Van Aert first dyed his hair blonde as a teenager, a look he has kept ever since.
10. Childhood Sweetheart
He met his wife, Sarah de Bie, when they were 15. They married in 2018 and have a son, Georges.
11. Cyclocross Beginnings
Van Aert left university to pursue cyclocross full-time in the 2013-14 season after winning 12 races in three months.
12. Beating Van der Poel
His first big win over Mathieu van der Poel came at the 2014 Under-23 Cyclocross World Championships in Hoogerheide.
13. Expensive Team Switch
When he joined Jumbo-Visma in 2019, a year ahead of schedule, he had to pay his former team €662,000 in compensation.
14. Tour de France Crash
That same year, he crashed in the individual time trial in Pau, forcing him to abandon the Tour de France.
15. First Flandrien Award
In 2019, he won the prestigious Flandrien of the Year award, given to Belgium’s best cyclist.
16. Post-Pandemic Pioneer
On August 1, 2020, he won Strade Bianche, the first WorldTour race held after the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown.
17. A Unique Breakfast Choice
His go-to breakfast is savoury oatmeal, made with parmesan cheese, oregano, and a fried or poached egg.
18. American Football Fan
He attended an American football game in 2017 before competing in the Jingle Cross World Cup race.
19. His Own Clothing Line
Van Aert has a fashion brand called Panache, selling jackets, t-shirts, and other apparel.
20. Not Friends with Van der Poel
Despite their long rivalry, he and Mathieu van der Poel have never been close, according to his former coach, Niels Albert.
21. Game of Thrones Fan
Van Aert was a huge fan of the hit TV series Game of Thrones.
From his tech-savvy student days to his love for Game of Thrones, Van Aert is far more than just a cyclist. His story is one of talent, ambition, and determination, making him one of the most compelling figures in modern cycling.
