Wout van Aert has just returned from the United States, where he was involved in a promotional tour for both Red Bull and bicycle manufacturer Cervélo. In the USA, the Belgian relaxed and enjoyed himself, but also found time for reflection, not only on the just-concluded season but also on how he sees his future.

Van Aert's last race was on September 20th at the Super 8 Classic in Belgium, followed by holidays with his family, which included stops in Italy, visiting Rome and Venice. After that, he had meetings with his team, Visma-Lease a Bike, and then the trip to the USA, before reuniting in December with the team to plan the 2026 program and also discuss how to include cyclocross races.

"This season was one of the most difficult of my career," Van Aert explained, "because I was coming off two serious injuries from the previous season: after the accident at Through Flanders, I fell again at the Vuelta, and from a psychological perspective, it was challenging."

The Belgian has always bounced back from his accidents: we saw him restart after the serious injury at the 2019 Tour de France, when he hit a barrier and tore his calf muscle with fears of ending his career, and we've seen him restart after setbacks. However, the last two seasons have been more difficult, and recovering has been more complicated than expected, particularly weighing on the Flemish rider was having to give up those major objectives, like the Spring Classics, for which he had worked hard.

"Simply, last year I had another serious injury, after the previous one. Every athlete is used to setbacks and returning to top levels, but those two injuries so close together made me question: do I want to continue cycling? I really struggled mentally to overcome all of this."

He adds: "Fortunately, most of my scars are covered when I wear my racing kit. But every time I look at my right knee, I'm catapulted back to what I've been through. I don't consider it something to be proud of; those scars are there every moment of the day, reminding me of what I've experienced."

Van Aert, however, once again managed to find the strength to get back up and move forward, but with the awareness of no longer being the same rider as before. 2025 was a recovery year, with stage victories at the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia, but unfortunately, the victories in the Classics he loves so much did not come: he obtained two fourth places at Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders.

"I didn't have free time last winter because I wanted to return to top levels as quickly as possible. Then I had a good season in the Classics, but that decisive victory was missing. After spring, I lacked confirmation and therefore the ability to say I had truly returned."

Fortunately, however, the Giro victory in Siena, on the Strade Bianche route, reignited hope in the Belgian, who could then continue the season with a different perspective. "I started the Giro poorly, but all these things together made that victory in Siena even more beautiful. If I win a stage in a grand tour next season, it will be fantastic, but not as emotional as the victory in Siena."

Van Aert's comeback culminated during the last stage of the Tour de France, along the slopes of Montmartre. "I knew I could do something in the early stages, but it didn't happen. But then with that victory in Paris, I understood that I had done something special again. Only in the days following my victory did I understand the impact it had on so many fans."

In Van Aert's plans, there were certainly other hopes and especially the desire to win Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders, the two Monument Classics he cares about most.

"I've tried throughout my career, and winning those Classics would have been the cherry on top for me. At a certain point, I started taking fewer risks, avoiding dangers and working to achieve certain objectives. But racing where I'm not at my best, I hate it. I realized that I race to be the best version of myself, so I won't have regrets in the future for not winning those races. The pressure in those races is much higher. They are the most important and most beautiful races of the year, and that's what always gives me extra motivation."

Cycling in Belgium is the national sport, and a rider like Van Aert is considered an authentic idol because, before being a champion on the road, he fired up the public in cyclocross with his battles with Van der Poel.

"Being Belgian, I also suffer much more pressure than others in those races. Sometimes it's difficult to manage. When I was younger, I was very nervous at the national championships. I raced to show people what I could do, not for myself. Fortunately, stress is something you learn to manage better with age. And anyway, looking back at everything I've done so far, even if some victories didn't come, I can say I'm a happy man, and that's what matters most."