In the high-stakes world of professional cycling, where grueling stages and fierce competition dominate, moments of levity and connection among teammates are cherished. Wout van Aert, the Belgian superstar of Team Visma | Lease a Bike, recently opened up about the lighter side of life in the peloton, emphasizing the bond he shares with teammate Jonas Vingegaard. In a candid interview, Van Aert reflected on the post-race moments that bring the team closer together, revealing a side of cycling that fans rarely see.
“There are moments after a stage course when we are all exhausted, sharing stories, making jokes, like Jonas Vingegaard said…” Van Aert remarked, hinting at the camaraderie that fuels their resilience. These fleeting instances of laughter and storytelling, often in the wake of punishing races, provide a vital release for riders like Van Aert and Vingegaard, who have faced their share of challenges in recent seasons.
The 2025 season has been a rollercoaster for both riders. Van Aert, known for his versatility across classics and grand tours, has battled back from injuries that marred his 2024 campaign, including a brutal crash at the Vuelta a España. Despite these setbacks, he secured a memorable victory on the epic ninth stage of the 2025 Giro d’Italia, a triumph he described as deeply emotional. “It’s easy to say this victory means a lot to me, I almost can’t explain it,” Van Aert said after the win in Siena, a place significant to his career’s beginnings.
Vingegaard, the two-time Tour de France champion, has also faced adversity, with a severe crash at the 2024 Itzulia Basque Country leaving him with a punctured lung and broken bones. Yet, his determination shone through as he returned to competition, notably winning the Volta ao Algarve in 2025, where Van Aert also showed signs of rediscovering his form.
These shared struggles have only strengthened the bond between the two riders. Van Aert’s comments echo the sentiments of teammate Ben Tulett, who recently praised the duo’s leadership and humility. “Wout sets such an example. Whether he’s winning or riding in support of others, he’s completely committed,” Tulett said, noting Van Aert’s selfless approach. Similarly, former teammate Nathan van Hooydonck, forced into early retirement due to a cardiac issue, credited Van Aert and Vingegaard’s perseverance for inspiring his own recovery. “Jonas & Wout, I don’t think you realise how big of an impact you have,” he said in a heartfelt message.
The dynamic between Van Aert and Vingegaard has not been without scrutiny. In the 2023 Tour de France, some criticized Vingegaard for not supporting Van Aert in a sprint finish during stage 2, sparking debate among fans. Van Aert, however, staunchly defended his teammate, stating, “He made sure that I had the chance to go for the win,” dismissing the criticism as unjustified. Their mutual respect was further highlighted when Vingegaard visited Van Aert after his 2023 Tour victory, bringing a yellow jersey for Van Aert’s newborn son, Jerome, a gesture that underscored their friendship.
Van Aert’s lighthearted side also shines through in his interactions with the media. Known for his wit, he once quipped after a 2023 Tour time trial, where he finished third behind Vingegaard and Tadej Pogačar, “I am the best of normal people,” humorously acknowledging the superhuman performances of his teammate and rival. More recently, after a strong second-place finish on stage 8 of the 2025 Tour de France, he jokingly suggested he might tweet his sprint plans next time to keep fans in the loop.
These moments of humor and connection, as Van Aert describes, are what sustain the team through the sport’s toughest days. Whether it’s sharing a laugh after a grueling stage or supporting each other through injuries, the bond between Van Aert and Vingegaard exemplifies the spirit of Team Visma | Lease a Bike. As they continue to chase victories in 2025, their off-the-bike camaraderie remains a cornerstone of their success, proving that even in the heat of competition, there’s always room for a good story or a well-timed joke.
