End of an Era: Wout van Aert Announces Retirement Date After Decades of Excellence in Cycling..
By: Emma de Vries | July 20, 2025 – Antwerp, Belgium
Belgium and the cycling world are bidding farewell to one of the sport’s most admired and versatile athletes. Wout van Aert, the multi-discipline cycling icon, officially announced today that the 2025 season will be his final year of professional competition, bringing an extraordinary career to a close.
Speaking at an emotional press conference in his hometown of Herentals, van Aert, 30, reflected on a journey that spanned nearly two decades and redefined what it meant to be an all-round cyclist.
“Cycling has shaped who I am — on and off the bike,” van Aert said. “I’ve been fortunate to live my dream, but now it’s time to listen to my body and heart. I want to enjoy the final stretch and then shift my focus to my family, my health, and a new phase of life.”
FROM MUDDY BEGINNINGS TO GLOBAL RESPECT
Van Aert first made a name for himself in cyclo-cross, where he claimed three consecutive elite world championships (2016, 2017, 2018). With his explosive strength, fearlessness, and unmatched determination, he became a dominant force on the muddy, treacherous winter circuits that define the sport.
But what truly elevated van Aert into the upper echelon of global cycling was his seamless transition to road racing. Signing with Team Jumbo-Visma, van Aert quickly demonstrated a rare ability to excel across disciplines — sprinting, time trials, climbing, and even lead-out work for general classification teammates.
He soon became one of the most complete and consistent riders of his generation.
A PALMARÈS THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES
Van Aert’s list of accomplishments is staggering:
- 10 stage victories at the Tour de France
- Winner of Milan–San Remo (2020)
- Strade Bianche (2021) and Amstel Gold Race (2021) winner
- Silver medalist in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Time Trial
- Multiple Belgian national championships (road and cyclo-cross)
- Countless podiums in Monuments and WorldTour classics
What made van Aert truly unique wasn’t just the quantity of his wins, but the quality and diversity. He could drag the peloton through a crosswind, outsprint pure sprinters, drop climbers on brutal mountain stages, and sacrifice his own ambitions to support a teammate’s yellow jersey campaign.
“Wout has been a dream rider for any team,” said Jumbo-Visma sporting director Merijn Zeeman. “There’s nothing he can’t do. He embodies what modern cycling is about — selflessness, power, and versatility.”
A LEGEND ON TWO FRONTS
Van Aert’s career has also been defined by his storied rivalry and deep respect with Dutch cyclist Mathieu van der Poel. From cyclo-cross world championships to road classics, their fierce but respectful battles thrilled fans and elevated both men to greatness.
“There’s no one I’ve raced against more intensely — or more respectfully — than Wout,” van der Poel said in a tribute video. “We pushed each other to the limit. I will miss those duels.”
THE FINAL LAP
Van Aert confirmed that his 2025 farewell season will be built around the races he loves most. That includes a full Spring Classics campaign, a return to the Tour de France, and a final push at the UCI Road World Championships, which will take place in Canada this year.
“I’m not retiring to slow down. I’m retiring after giving it everything I’ve got — one last time,” he said. “I want to go out on my terms, fighting.”
Fans can expect vintage van Aert — relentless attacks, heroic breakaways, and emotional farewells along the roads of Belgium, France, and beyond.
WHAT’S NEXT?
While van Aert hasn’t mapped out his post-cycling plans in detail, he expressed interest in staying connected to the sport through mentorship, youth development, and commentary. He also emphasized his desire to spend more time with his wife and two young children.
“They’ve sacrificed so much for me to live this dream,” he said. “Now it’s my turn to be there for them.”
There is also speculation that van Aert could become a national team coach or ambassador for Belgian cycling in the future.
THE LEGACY HE LEAVES BEHIND
In an age of specialization, Wout van Aert stood out as a throwback to the all-rounder legends of old, capable of winning across surfaces, terrains, and formats. But perhaps his greatest trait was his humility and team-first mentality — an elite rider willing to suffer in service of others.
“Wout is more than a champion,” said Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme. “He is an inspiration.”
As the 2025 season approaches, fans, fellow riders, and the entire cycling world will cherish every moment van Aert spends on the saddle. Because when it’s over, they won’t just be saying goodbye to a rider — they’ll be saying goodbye to a symbol of grit, grace, and greatness.
One final season. One final ride. Wout van Aert — forever a legend.
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