As Wout van Aert continues to dominate the world of cyclocross, his thoughts are already turning towards the future after his eventual retirement. The Belgian superstar, renowned for his remarkable versatility in cyclocross, road racing, and gravel events, has been a fixture in cycling for over a decade. When the time comes to hang up his racing wheels, van Aert is eager to contribute to the sport and his community in unique and meaningful ways.
One of his dreams is to establish a cyclocross academy designed to help less privileged youth discover their cycling potential. Reflecting on his own journey, van Aert recalls how he had access to the resources and opportunities that propelled him to success. In his post-racing life, he hopes to create a space where talented young athletes, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, can develop their skills and receive the guidance and support they need to shine. He wants to ensure that kids who may not have the means to compete at the highest levels have the same opportunity he did to showcase their abilities.
“I would like to start up a cyclocross academy for the less privileged, people who can ride but don’t have the opportunity to show their talent. I would love to give them the same chance I had to show the world what they can do,” van Aert shared. His vision is rooted in his belief that talent should not be limited by one’s background, and the academy would serve as a platform to help these young riders realize their full potential.
But his ambitions don’t end with cycling. Van Aert has also expressed a deep passion for food and cooking, a hobby that has been a part of his life for many years. This passion has led him to consider another venture: opening a restaurant in his hometown. The idea is to give back to the community that supported him throughout his career and helped him become the athlete he is today.
“I love cooking very much, so I would love to open a restaurant in my hometown to give back to the people who made me what I am today. I would probably name it after my grandmother, who taught me how to cook and also inspired me,” van Aert explained. His grandmother played a significant role in shaping his love for food, and van Aert is determined to honor her memory and the lessons she imparted by creating a place where others can enjoy the same warmth and care she shared with him.
With these future endeavors, Wout van Aert is focused on using his success to uplift others. Whether through sport or cuisine, he plans to give back to the community that has helped him rise to the top.
