Wout van Aert has continued to defy expectations throughout the 2025 cycling season, making a remarkable return from the setbacks that plagued his 2024 campaign. After suffering multiple injuries in crashes at Dwars door Vlaanderen and the Vuelta a España last year, many questioned whether the Belgian rider would return to his top form. But with quiet determination and relentless work behind the scenes, van Aert came back stronger, culminating in a stunning solo victory on the final stage of the Tour de France. On the rainy cobbled streets of Paris, re-routed for the Montmartre finish, he launched a bold attack and held off the peloton to cross the line alone, arms outstretched in triumph. The emotional win marked his tenth career stage victory at the Tour and reminded fans of the sheer class and versatility that has defined his career.
Earlier in the year, van Aert made headlines by signing a lifetime contract with Team Visma–Lease a Bike, effectively ensuring he would finish his professional career with the squad he helped build into one of the most dominant forces in cycling. While the term “lifetime contract” stirred speculation about his retirement plans, van Aert himself made no announcement about when he intends to step away from racing. Instead, he has focused on returning to form, targeting select classics and stage wins rather than general classifications, a strategy that has continued to deliver results.
His season also includes confirmed entries in other races such as the Deutschland Tour and potential participation in the World Championships in Rwanda. His role within the team remains pivotal—not just as a race winner but as a leader and mentor to the next generation of Visma talent. With his ability to shine in time trials, sprints, cyclocross, and the hardest of mountain stages, van Aert continues to be one of the most complete riders in the modern peloton.
Though fans and commentators often wonder how many more seasons he has left, van Aert has remained focused on the present, showing little interest in farewell narratives. He continues to race with the same hunger and precision that earned him his place among the greats, and if his current form is any indication, there is still more history left to write in his extraordinary career.
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