Wout van Aert remains one of the biggest names in the peloton, but his 2025 season is not attracting applause everywhere. Although the Belgian achieved two nice victories on the road, some observers still have the growing feeling that the harvest remains meager in relation to his status. Columnist Hans Vandeweghe does not mince his words and sets the bar remarkably high for Van Aert.
READ ALSO:
End of career for Eli iserbyt? Manager speaks gloomy language
Figures that raise questions
If you look at the pure results, you will see a clear trend. In 2021, Van Aert had his absolute top year with thirteen victories, including Gent-Wevelgem, the Amstel Gold Race and three Tour stages.
A year later that number dropped to nine. In 2023 and 2024 the counter was stuck at five victories each time, and 2025 also yielded only two victories for the time being.
It has not even been since 2018, when Van Aert was still a full-time motocross rider, that he won so little in one season. This contrast with his previous productivity is striking and forms the basis for the criticism that is now louder.
“Popularity and salary”
In De Morgen, columnist Hans Vandeweghe is particularly sharp for Van Aert. He acknowledges that the rider is not obliged to do anything, but does make a clear comment. “Van Aert there’s just nothing to dobut winning a little more would come in handy,” he writes. According to Vandeweghe, this is not just about sporting honor.
“If only to justify his popularity and salary,” he says bluntly. This strikes a nerve. Van Aert is one of the best-paid riders in the peloton and enjoys enormous public appreciation, especially in Belgium. It is precisely this combination that apparently makes expectations particularly high.
