Wout van Aert notices that his popularity has increased considerably. The Belgian from Jumbo-Visma is harassed weekly by fans who ring his doorbell and therefore makes a call.
“I notice that the attention for me is increasing,” he said at the presentation of his team on Thursday Sporza. “People just ring the doorbell at my house. There is no need for that. The chance that I will open the door is minimal.”
“It happens regularly that people are at my door, even weekly. They ring the doorbell with a request to sign a shirt or they organize something special. Everyone has their story and I understand that, but it is not always easy. I am I’d rather be left alone when I’m home.”
28-year-old Van Aert had a successful season on the road. The Fleming won three stages in the Tour de France and also won the green jersey. In addition, he was the strongest in the E3 Saxo Bank Classic and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, among others.
Van Aert is currently working on his cyclocross season. The three-time world champion won the World Cup race in Dublin about two weeks ago and will come into action on Friday in the Zilvermeercross in Mol, Belgium, where he will meet his rival Mathieu van der Poel.
Van Aert is sometimes surprised about his popularity. “I used to be known for cyclo-cross, but now it goes much further than Belgium. Maybe not worldwide, but in the whole of Europe and that is a special sensation. Abroad I had the feeling for a long time that I was ‘at ease’ was, but suddenly I am also recognized there.”
