Belgian cycling star Wout van Aert is ready to tackle his final road races of the 2025 season at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec and Montréal, despite recent health challenges and the impending departure of key teammates Olav Kooij and Tiesj Benoot from Team Visma | Lease a Bike. The versatile rider, known for his prowess in classics, sprints, and time trials, remains determined to end his season on a high note.
Van Aert’s preparations for the Canadian World Tour one-day races, set for September 12 and 14, were disrupted by illness following the Deutschland Tour. “After the Tour of Germany, I wasn’t feeling very fit,” Van Aert told Het Laatste Nieuws at a recent event in Wetteren, Belgium. “That’s why we decided to skip the Bretagne Classic in Plouay. But last week, I was able to train well again. I’m motivated to go for a good result in Canada, especially in Québec.”
The 30-year-old emphasized the importance of competing at his best. “In Hamburg and Germany, I noticed that I only enjoy cycling when I reach a certain level,” he said. “If I’m not good enough to compete for the prizes, it’s not as much fun. However, in the Tour of Germany, things were looking up, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.” His focus now is to close out the season strongly, even though he acknowledges that “the most important part is already behind us.”
Van Aert also addressed rumors about participating in the European Gravel Championships in Italy or the World Gravel Championships in Limburg. “The vacation is booked for the end of September,” he said with a laugh. “No, after the Super 8 Classic, the bike will be put aside for a while. It remains to be seen when I will race again after that.” The Super 8 Classic, set for late September in Belgium, will mark his final road race of the season.
The Belgian star also reflected on significant changes within Team Visma | Lease a Bike, as teammates Olav Kooij and Tiesj Benoot prepare to leave for Decathlon CMA CGM in 2026. Van Aert, who has shared the road with both riders in major races, including stage wins with Kooij in the 2025 Giro d’Italia and spring classics with Benoot, expressed mixed feelings. “Of course, I think that’s a shame. Besides the fact that we are losing two super-strong riders, I also had a good personal relationship with Olav and Tiesj,” he said. “I would have preferred them to stay, but I understand their decision.”
Despite the setbacks of 2025, including a serious knee injury from a crash in the Vuelta a España that ended his season prematurely, Van Aert remains optimistic. His recovery from earlier crashes, including a heavy fall at Dwars door Vlaanderen, and a bronze medal in the time trial at the 2024 Paris Olympics highlight his resilience. “The good feeling I had again in Spain gives me a lot of confidence that I will return to top level again,” he said, looking ahead to his 2026 goals, which include the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.
As Van Aert heads to Canada, fans are eager to see if he can reclaim his winning form on the demanding Québec and Montréal courses. With the cycling world watching, the Belgian star’s determination and versatility ensure he remains a force to be reckoned with. For race updates, visit www.uci.org or follow Van Aert on social media.
