Wout van Aert, one of the most iconic cyclocross riders of his generation, has long remained a private figure, preferring to focus on his racing rather than the limelight. Known for his incredible versatility and dominance in the world of cycling, van Aert has captivated fans across multiple disciplines, from cyclocross to road racing. But after years of success and growing fame, he is now opening up about the personal side of his journey—his struggles with fame, the importance of family, and the secret that has fueled his passion for cyclocross.
Van Aert’s career has been a remarkable one. From his early days in cyclocross, where he quickly rose to prominence as one of the sport’s most promising talents, to his domination in road cycling, van Aert has proven to be one of the most complete cyclists in the world. His versatility allows him to excel in everything from short, explosive cyclocross races to long, grueling road races. This unique ability has earned him a massive following, but it has also meant that he has had to balance the pressures of fame with the desire for privacy.
Despite the attention that comes with being at the top of his sport, van Aert has often spoken about the difficulty of living in the public eye. “It’s not always easy,” he says. “When you’re constantly in the spotlight, it can feel like you’re under a microscope. People expect so much from you, and sometimes that pressure can weigh heavily on you.” However, he credits his family for helping him maintain a sense of normalcy. His wife and young son provide a grounding influence, and he often retreats to his family life to recharge and escape the intense scrutiny that comes with being a world-class athlete.
Cyclocross, in particular, holds a special place in van Aert’s heart. While he has found immense success in road racing, including multiple stage wins in prestigious events like the Tour de France, it is cyclocross that remains his first love. “Cyclocross is where it all started for me,” van Aert explains. “It’s where I learned everything—how to ride in the mud, how to deal with pain, and how to push my limits. There’s something about the intensity of the sport that keeps me coming back.” But beyond the physical aspect of the sport, van Aert also acknowledges a mental challenge that often goes unnoticed by fans. “Cyclocross requires an immense amount of focus and mental toughness. It’s easy to overlook how much it takes out of you mentally, but the truth is that it can be just as draining as it is physically.”
One of van Aert’s secrets to success in cyclocross is his unwavering dedication to improvement. Despite his already elite status, he continually pushes himself to get better, always seeking to refine his technique and strategy. He credits his success to a combination of hard work, the support of his family, and the drive to keep learning. “Even after all these years, I’m still learning something new every race,” he admits. “That’s what keeps me motivated—there’s always room to grow, and I’m never satisfied with just being good. I want to be the best.”
As he continues to dominate in both cyclocross and road cycling, van Aert remains humble and focused on the next challenge. His passion for the sport, his family, and his relentless pursuit of excellence have defined his career—and his secret to success is simple: a commitment to never stop evolving.
