In what is being hailed as one of the most extraordinary seasons in the history of professional cycling, Wout van Aert has redefined the boundaries of versatility, becoming the first rider ever to win stages in all three Grand Tours, capture the Cyclocross World Championship, and claim victory in a Monument classic—all within the same calendar year. The Belgian superstar has long been regarded as one of the most complete riders in the peloton, but this season has elevated him into a stratosphere few athletes in any sport have ever reached.
His campaign began with a dominant display in the cyclocross circuit, where he faced off against his eternal rival Mathieu van der Poel. After months of intense battles through mud, ice, and sheer grit, Van Aert emerged victorious at the UCI Cyclocross World Championships, showcasing not only his power and technical finesse but also his unwavering determination. It was his fourth elite world title, and perhaps his most satisfying to date.
But Van Aert didn’t pause to celebrate for long. He seamlessly transitioned to the road season, where his performances reached historic levels. He opened his Monument campaign with a brilliant ride at Milan–San Remo, narrowly missing the podium, but his true statement came at Liège–Bastogne–Liège, where he launched a late solo attack on La Roche-aux-Faucons, holding off a charging pack to take the most prestigious win of his road career. That victory cemented his place among the great one-day racers of the era.
Then came the Grand Tours. Van Aert stunned fans and competitors alike by claiming stage victories in the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, and Vuelta a España—a trifecta rarely seen in a single career, let alone a single season. His wins weren’t just about raw speed or tactics; they came in time trials, sprint finishes, and grueling mountain stages, highlighting his unmatched adaptability.
Even more astonishing was his selfless work for teammates, often riding in support roles while still delivering individual brilliance. At the Tour de France, he played a critical role in his team’s general classification ambitions, pulling at the front for hours, pacing leaders in the Alps, and still finding the legs to sprint for victory on multiple occasions.
Van Aert’s performances this season have left commentators and former champions scrambling for comparisons. Some have drawn parallels to legends like Eddy Merckx, though even Merckx’s exploits never combined such success across disciplines and race types within a single year. His unique ability to excel on the road, in cyclocross, and in time trials has effectively redefined what it means to be a complete rider in modern cycling.
Beyond the trophies and accolades, Van Aert has earned the respect and admiration of fans across the globe. His humility, relentless work ethic, and willingness to race with courage and flair have made him a beloved figure both in Belgium and internationally. At just 30 years old, he has already built a palmarès most riders can only dream of—yet he shows no sign of slowing down.
As the season draws to a close, cycling historians are already calling 2025 the “Year of Van Aert.” With every pedal stroke, he has not only made history but reshaped what is possible in the sport, inspiring a new generation of riders to chase greatness across every terrain.
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