Wout van Aert Finally Reveals Tour de France Goals, but Makes Sacrifices for Visma’s Bigger Ambitions
After weeks of speculation surrounding his role in this year’s Tour de France, Wout van Aert has finally broken his silence—offering clarity on his personal goals while also confirming that he will be placing team success above individual accolades during the sport’s biggest race.
The Belgian star, known for his exceptional versatility across sprints, time trials, and mountainous terrain, has often been seen as both a stage hunter and a support rider for Team Visma–Lease a Bike. But this year, Van Aert is walking a delicate line: determined to chase meaningful results, yet fully committed to helping the team’s overall strategy—especially in the absence of defending champion Jonas Vingegaard’s peak condition.
“Of course I have personal ambitions,” Van Aert admitted in a press conference ahead of Stage 1. “There are certain stages that suit me perfectly, and I’ve circled them. But at the same time, I know what the team needs from me, and I’m prepared to give everything to help them win.”
Visma–Lease a Bike is aiming to defend its dominance in the general classification, even as Vingegaard continues to return to top form after his crash earlier this season. With Primož Roglič now at Bora-Hansgrohe and Sepp Kuss managing heavy expectations, the team’s Tour strategy is being reshaped in real time — and Van Aert is a central figure in that evolution.
Sporting Director Merijn Zeeman confirmed that Van Aert’s role may fluctuate daily, depending on the course profile and the team’s standing.
“Wout is one of the most selfless champions I’ve ever worked with,” Zeeman said. “He can win any stage on his own, but he’s also willing to pull for others on a mountain pass or control a breakaway for 100 kilometers if needed. That kind of rider is rare.”
While Van Aert has downplayed the idea of going after the green jersey this year, citing the time trial-heavy route and mountain-dominant second week, he hasn’t ruled out stage wins entirely. In particular, he hinted at targeting the opening stages, classics-style finishes, and possibly the individual time trial.
“I’m not coming here to hide in the bunch,” he said. “If there’s a day where I can go full gas for the win, I’ll take it. But I’m not obsessed with stats or collecting wins. I want to ride in service of something bigger.”
For many fans and analysts, Van Aert’s continued willingness to sacrifice individual glory for the team underscores why he is one of the most respected riders in the peloton. After narrowly missing out on stage wins in past Tours and often being the unsung hero in Visma’s GC victories, he remains committed to the collective cause.
“The Tour is always emotional,” he added. “You suffer, you sacrifice, and sometimes you don’t get rewarded. But helping a teammate win yellow or just being part of an unforgettable performance — that’s worth everything.”
With his form steadily building after a cautious spring season, Van Aert may yet deliver some fireworks of his own. But make no mistake — this Tour, for him, is about unity, loyalty, and chasing greatness as a team.
Leave a Reply