
Cycling champion reveals untold struggle behind the scenes
In a stunning revelation that has shaken the cycling world, Wout van Aert has shared the story of a private family crisis that nearly forced him to walk away from professional racing.
The Belgian superstar, known for his fierce endurance and unwavering focus, broke his silence in an exclusive interview with Het Laatste Nieuws, opening up about the emotional toll a serious health scare in his immediate family took on him during the 2024 season.
“There was a moment,” Van Aert said, his voice cracking, “where I was ready to step away from it all. Cycling suddenly didn’t matter. My family needed me — and I needed them more than ever.”
According to sources close to the family, Van Aert’s son, Georges, fell seriously ill late last year with a rare but treatable condition that required months of hospital visits, monitoring, and around-the-clock care. The situation was kept out of the public eye, with Van Aert continuing to race — often flying between stages and hospitals — all while hiding the emotional weight behind his calm demeanor.
“There were nights I didn’t sleep. I’d race in the day, then return to the hospital, praying the monitors wouldn’t beep,” he recalled. “The pain of watching your child suffer… it changes you. It makes winning feel irrelevant.”
Van Aert credits his wife, Sarah De Bie, for holding the family together during what he calls “the darkest period of my life.” He also admits that he considered retirement more than once, especially when Georges’ condition worsened in early 2025.
“But Georges is a fighter,” Van Aert said, tears visible. “Just like his dad. And when he smiled through the tubes and whispered, ‘Go win, papa,’ I knew I had to keep going — not for podiums, but for him.”
Georges is now recovering well, and the family has returned to a sense of calm. Van Aert has resumed full training ahead of the 2026 season, stronger than ever, both mentally and physically.
“I ride differently now,” he said. “I don’t just race for the fans or the finish line. I race for the boy who fought harder than I ever have.”
In a world that often praises strength, Wout van Aert’s vulnerability has revealed a different kind of heroism — one rooted in fatherhood, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bond of family.
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