The news is official: Wout van Aert will not participate in the World Championships in Rwanda or the European Championships in Drôme-en-Ardèche. The Belgian has decided not to race the world championship in Africa, a choice that was already anticipated at the beginning of the season, while for the Europeans nothing had been decided yet. The Flemish rider has had a long and challenging season, and the course in Rwanda is not suitable for a rider like him.

The new national coach Serge Pauwels would have wanted Wout van Aert to participate in Rwanda, but after a demanding season, the Visma-Lease a Bike rider has decided to take some time off, skipping his national commitments: his last race of the season will be the Super 8 Classic on September 20th.

"It's important to set prestigious goals in autumn, and with the calendar we've planned, we've certainly achieved them," explains the Belgian in a statement released by Visma-Lease a Bike. "At the same time, after such a demanding season, we must be careful not to overdo it. That's why we've chosen to conclude my season after the Super 8 Classic and skip the World and European Championships."

The season of the Herentals champion has been challenging, starting last winter with some cyclocross races, continuing with the Classics and two Grand Tours.

"It's been a fantastic year, with important goals quickly succeeding one another," van Aert continued in the statement. "As every year, spring and the Tour de France were my main objectives. I was also happy to finally taste the Giro d'Italia. I need this variety, and that's why I raced the Vuelta in Spain for the first time last year, and that's what motivates me."

For the final part of the season, Van Aert has opted for a varied race program, including his debut in the Deutschland Tour, the Bretagne Classic - Ouest-France (which he won in 2022), the two races of GP de Québec and GP de Montréal, and the Super 8 Classic to close the season.