Wout Van Aert, 30, will not be seen again in any colours other than those of Visma – Lease a Bike. This was announced on Wednesday 1 September by Richard Plugge’s team, formalising the “lifelong” contractual link between the two parties, until the end of the Belgian’s career. “It’s unique in our sport, but we didn’t have to think about it for long”explained the training director.
Having arrived at Visma in 2019 from the Cibel team, the nine-time stage winner of the Tour de France had a contract that still extended until 2026, a deadline that he will ultimately not have to worry about. “I didn’t have to think long when this idea came to me. […] This team is unique and has suited me for five years and I want it to stay that way. That’s why I decided to stay here forever, and it feels really good.”said the rider in the official announcement press release.
No doubts about Visma after Van Aert’s difficult season
And that’s not a bad thing for someone who has had an unfortunate season: although he won bronze in the Olympic time trial at the end of July in Paris, Van Aert suffered two falls that deprived him of half the season and his major goals.
Victim of fractures to the collarbone, sternum and several ribs, as well as a contusion to a lung on Across Flanders at the end of March, the Belgian had to withdraw from the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.
Same thing again at the Vuelta a month ago when, wearing the green polka dot jersey and winner of two stages, he fell on the descent and was forced to abandon due to an injury to his right knee.
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Thus giving up the European and World Championships at the end of the season. Which is far from having scared Richard Plugge: “Wout is of course a fantastic rider with an exceptional track record. […] But besides that, Wout has really become an important culture vector, an indispensable link in our team. He is a leader and a team player. He is a rider who also makes others in the team better, simply through his insight and charisma.
