In a heartwarming gathering that blended family bonds, cycling legacy, and the simple joys of life, Henk Van Aert marked his 68th birthday with a lavish celebration surrounded by loved ones. The proud patriarch of Belgian cycling superstar Wout Van Aert, Henk’s milestone day unfolded like a victory lap – full of laughter, heartfelt toasts, and a touch of that unyielding Flemish spirit that has fueled his son’s meteoric rise in the world of professional cycling.
Nestled in the picturesque countryside near Herentals, where Wout was born and raised, the event took place at the Van Aert family home, a haven dotted with evergreen trees, lush ferns, and blooming wildflowers that mirrored the title’s poetic nod to nature’s enduring embrace. Guests arrived under a crisp autumn sky, greeted by the scent of fresh-baked speculoos and the sight of custom-decorated bicycles – a playful tribute to Henk’s lifelong passion for the sport that defined his family.
Henk, a former amateur racer and unwavering supporter of Wout’s career, beamed as he cut into a towering cake emblazoned with “68 Laps Around the Sun” and adorned with tiny replicas of Tour de France jerseys. “It’s not about the years; it’s about the miles we’ve shared,” Henk quipped to the cheering crowd, his eyes twinkling with the same determination that propelled Wout to three consecutive UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships (2016-2018) and 10 Tour de France stage wins. At 68, Henk remains the quiet force behind the scenes, having shuttled a young Wout to countless races and stood by him through triumphs like the 2020 Milan-San Remo monument victory – where family photos captured Henk’s joyous embrace alongside Wout’s wife, Sarah De Bie, and his mother, Ivonne.
Wout, fresh off turning 31 on September 15 amid team celebrations from Visma | Lease a Bike, couldn’t have been more effusive in honoring his father. “Papa Henk taught me that glory isn’t just crossing the finish line – it’s the love that gets you there,” Wout shared in a touching social media post earlier this week, accompanied by a throwback photo of the duo on a tandem bike. The cycling phenom, who recently clinched a gravel stage at the Giro d’Italia with an iconic family hug at the finish, made sure to pause his training regimen to join the festivities. Joined by Sarah and their young sons Georges (now 4) and Jerome, Wout led a chorus of “Lang zal hij leven” (Long May He Live), turning the backyard into an impromptu karaoke stage.
The celebration wasn’t without its nods to legacy. Guests included fellow cycling veterans, local club members from Henk’s racing days, and even a surprise video message from Visma teammates, who joked about Henk’s “secret training tips” for longevity. Amid games of petanque and a barbecue feast featuring Belgian frites and carbonnade flamande, stories flowed freely: tales of Wout’s first junior wins, the family’s emotional support during his 2024 crash recovery, and Henk’s own quiet heroism in balancing farm life with fostering a champion’s dream.
As the sun dipped below the tree line, Henk raised a glass of Trappist ale, toasting the “love and glory” that binds them. “Wout’s my greatest victory,” he said simply, his voice steady despite the emotion. For a man who’s seen his son conquer the world’s toughest pelotons, this 68th birthday was a reminder that the real podium is family – evergreen, resilient, and blooming with pride.
The Van Aert clan plans to keep the momentum going, with Wout eyeing the 2025-26 cyclo-cross season and perhaps a family ride to cap the year. Happy birthday, Henk – may your next laps be as glorious as the ones you’ve inspired.
