Wout van Aert’s future in professional cycling has been cast into uncertainty following a deeply emotional statement during the 2025 Tour de France, where the Belgian rider confessed to feeling overwhelmed by the constant physical and mental demands of the sport. Speaking after a grueling stage that saw his Visma-Lease a Bike team once again struggle to contain Tadej Pogačar’s dominance, van Aert opened up to reporters in a rare moment of vulnerability, sparking concern and speculation across the cycling world.
“I can’t keep doing this,” van Aert said quietly, his voice heavy with emotion. “Every year we push harder, every race the expectations grow, and I don’t know if I can continue putting myself through this. There comes a point where you have to ask—what am I doing this for?”
The Belgian all-rounder, often hailed as one of the most versatile and selfless riders of his generation, has carried a relentless schedule over the past few years, juggling classics, Grand Tours, time trials, and team support roles. Despite achieving tremendous success—multiple Tour stage wins, Monument victories, and podium finishes in World Championships—van Aert has often placed team goals above personal glory. In this Tour de France alone, he has sacrificed his own chances to work tirelessly for Visma’s GC ambitions, all while recovering from a crash-ridden spring season that disrupted his preparation.
Insiders close to the team report that van Aert has been battling physical fatigue and mounting pressure behind the scenes, especially after the early-season crash that ruled him out of several key races. Though he returned in time for the Tour, those close to him say the emotional toll has been significant. His recent comments are the first public sign that the weight of his career may be catching up with him.
“He’s given everything to this team and this sport,” said a Visma staff member under anonymity. “But sometimes, even the strongest riders burn out. Wout carries a lot on his shoulders.”
Fans were quick to respond on social media, flooding his Instagram and Twitter pages with messages of support, love, and encouragement. Many expressed concern that the 30-year-old could be contemplating stepping away from the sport, at least temporarily, to recover and reevaluate his priorities.
While neither van Aert nor Visma-Lease a Bike have made any official announcement regarding his future, the tone of his statement has fueled growing speculation. Some analysts suggest he may be considering reducing his race calendar, or possibly taking a sabbatical after the 2025 season. Others believe this could mark the beginning of a major career shift—perhaps away from Grand Tours and toward one-day races where he can focus more on himself.
Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: Wout van Aert’s candor has struck a powerful chord in the cycling world. In a sport where toughness is often prized above all else, his honesty about mental fatigue and emotional strain has reminded fans and fellow riders alike that even the strongest need space to breathe.
For now, van Aert continues to ride on in the Tour de France, but all eyes will be on him—not just for his performance, but for the next chapter in his remarkable and deeply human story.
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