Belgian cycling legend Wout van Aert has officially embarked on the next chapter of his illustrious career, accepting a senior leadership role within Team Visma | Lease a Bike as the new head of Cyclocross and Classics Strategy. The appointment comes shortly after Van Aert announced that the upcoming season would be his final one as a professional rider, ending a remarkable run that spanned over a decade and brought him acclaim across road racing, cyclocross, and time trials.
The decision marks a natural transition for Van Aert, who has long been praised not only for his athletic talent, but also for his deep tactical understanding, mentorship qualities, and unwavering commitment to team goals. In his new role, Van Aert will take on responsibility for shaping the team’s overall approach in two of the areas where he’s been most dominant: cyclocross and the Spring Classics.
According to the team’s management, Van Aert’s experience and influence made him the ideal candidate to guide Visma | Lease a Bike through a generational shift, nurturing emerging talent while refining strategies for the most grueling one-day races on the calendar. His responsibilities will include course analysis, rider development, race-day planning, and building cohesion among the Classics squad as well as the cyclocross unit.
Team CEO Richard Plugge welcomed the appointment, stating, “Wout is more than just one of the greatest riders of his generation. He’s a leader, a thinker, and someone who always saw the bigger picture. This role will allow him to extend his impact on the sport and on our team well beyond the finish line.”
In his official statement, Van Aert expressed gratitude and excitement for the opportunity. “Cycling has given me everything, and I’ve given it everything back,” he said. “Now I want to invest in the future — to help young riders grow, to build winning strategies, and to make sure we stay at the top level in both cyclocross and the classics. These are the races that defined my career. Being able to stay connected to them in this way means a lot to me.”
The move is also being viewed as a boost for Belgian cycling overall, as Van Aert’s knowledge and experience will continue to influence the sport domestically and globally. Within the team, morale is said to be high, as riders and staff alike are looking forward to working under someone whose legacy is built not only on victory, but on resilience, sacrifice, and strategic brilliance.
As Wout van Aert prepares for his final lap as a rider, his focus is already shifting to legacy — not just the one he’s built, but the one he will help others create.
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