Belgian cycling superstar Wout van Aert, fresh off a stellar 2025 season with Team Visma | Lease a Bike, has opened up about the joy of watching his parents bond with his children, evoking cherished memories of his own childhood. In a candid interview on the Huyts & Vlaeminck podcast, the 30-year-old three-time Tour de France stage winner shared a touching reflection: “When I see my parents with my children, it reminds me of my own childhood. I still remember that my mother…”
Van Aert, a devoted family man, spoke warmly about the moments he treasures most when he’s not battling it out on the world’s toughest cycling courses. The father of two young sons, Georges and Jerome, with his wife Sarah De Bie, Van Aert described how seeing his parents interact with his children brings back vivid memories of his upbringing in Herentals. “It’s special,” he said. “My mother used to take me to races, always encouraging me, always there. Now, watching her with my boys, it’s like I’m seeing my childhood all over again through their eyes.”
The Olympic silver medalist, who clinched the green jersey in the 2025 Tour de France and a bronze in the Paris-Roubaix, has often spoken about the sacrifices his career demands, particularly time away from his family due to races, training camps, and travel. In a March 2025 interview with CyclingUpToDate, Van Aert admitted, “Now that I have two sons, being away from home so much is my biggest sacrifice.” Yet, he finds solace in the moments he can share with his family, especially when his parents step in to create the same nurturing environment he experienced as a child.
Van Aert’s reflections resonate with fans, who have flooded social media with praise for his down-to-earth persona. One X post read, “Wout’s not just a champion on the bike—he’s a champion dad and son, too. Love how he cherishes these family moments.” Another fan shared, “Hearing Wout talk about his parents and kids is so wholesome. It’s like he’s racing for them as much as for himself.”
The cyclist also highlighted the role his wife, Sarah, plays in keeping their family grounded. Married since 2018, the couple has navigated the challenges of Van Aert’s demanding career while raising their sons. “Sarah is my rock,” he said on the podcast. “She makes it possible for me to focus on racing, knowing our boys are in the best hands. And when I’m home, we make every moment count—whether it’s playing in the garden or just watching Georges try to ride his little bike.”
Van Aert’s nostalgic connection to his childhood was palpable as he recalled his mother’s unwavering support during his early racing days. “She was always there, cheering, organizing, making sure I had everything I needed,” he said, trailing off with a smile before adding, “I didn’t finish the quote earlier, but it’s simple—she made me feel like I could do anything.” Those lessons, he noted, are ones he hopes to pass on to Georges and Jerome, whether they follow in his cycling footsteps or not.
As Van Aert prepares for the upcoming cyclocross season, where he’s expected to dominate after his 2024 World Championship win, he remains grounded by these family ties. “Racing is my passion, but coming home to my family is what fuels me,” he said. “Seeing my parents with my kids, it’s a reminder of where I came from and why I do this.”
The cycling world continues to celebrate Van Aert’s on- and off-road triumphs, but it’s his heartfelt family moments that are winning hearts globally. As one fan aptly put it on X, “Wout’s not just riding for victories—he’s riding for his family’s love and legacy.”
