When it comes to Wout van Aert, 2024 has been a bit of a mixed season. The Belgian did have some noteworthy moments at the Vuelta a Espana and Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne, but any momentum Van Aert managed to gain was often destroyed by crashes…Read more

For Wout van Aert, the 2024 season has been a rollercoaster, marked by both impressive performances and setbacks from untimely crashes. The Belgian powerhouse, known for his versatile abilities across sprints, climbs, and time trials, entered the season with high hopes and a focus on key races. However, while he delivered some standout moments, his progress was repeatedly hampered by crashes that disrupted his rhythm and halted his momentum.

One of Van Aert’s notable achievements this season came at the Vuelta a Espana, where he managed to showcase his endurance and tactical skills in a few challenging stages. Despite the high level of competition and the demands of the mountainous terrain, Van Aert held his own, earning a top finish on one of the toughest stages. His performance in the Vuelta proved his resilience, as he fought through physical and mental challenges to make his mark in a Grand Tour known for its grueling conditions.

Earlier in the season, Van Aert also put in a solid performance at the classic Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne, where he displayed his strength in the one-day race format. Known for his love of these classic Belgian races, Van Aert powered through the cobbled sections and sprints to stay in contention against some of the top riders. While he didn’t take the victory, his effort and placement underscored his competitiveness and determination, even when the season seemed off-balance.

Yet, despite these successes, Van Aert’s 2024 was marred by crashes that seemed to arrive just when he was building momentum. The crashes not only took a physical toll but also disrupted his mental preparation and confidence. With each setback, Van Aert had to recalibrate, putting in extra hours in recovery and training to get back to racing form.

Reflecting on the season, Van Aert remains optimistic. “Cycling is always about ups and downs,” he commented. “I’ll take the lessons from this season and come back stronger.” While 2024 might not have been the season Van Aert had envisioned, his resilience and tenacity have kept him in the spotlight, and he remains focused on making a strong comeback in 2025.