🎥 Belgium erupts as Van Aert wins Paris-Roubaix: From football stadiums to junior races

Belgium will be buzzing for some time after Wout van Aert's remarkable victory at Paris-Roubaix. The national hero won in stunning fashion on the cobbles of northern France, producing huge celebrations that went far beyond the Roubaix Vélodrome. Fans stayed in a football stadium after their team lost, and juniors celebrated in the middle of their race. All for Woutje.

Across Belgium, Paris-Roubaix was shown on big screens in many venues. One of them was the Coureur Café in Harelbeke, where a packed crowd had gathered. The Flemish fans could barely contain their joy when Van Aert — finger pointed to the sky — crossed the line a full bike's length ahead of Tadej Pogačar.

After a gruelling race, Van Aert had arrived at the front with only the UAE Team Emirates-XRG world champion for company. Pogačar tried in vain to drop the Belgian on the Carrefour de l'Arbre. A large group of Van Aert's fans were stationed at the sector, and after the riders passed, they ducked into a tent to watch the finish.

But it got even better. In Rochefort, near the Walloon city of Namur, a youth race was being held. The under-17 riders were being led out by motorbikes before their start when spectators along the road told them their compatriot had just won. Before the start of their own race, they burst into celebration.

Even on the football pitch, the victory was celebrated in style. KV Mechelen had just lost 0-1 at home to Union Saint-Gilloise, but there was no time to mourn. After the match, the stadium big screen switched straight to Paris-Roubaix, where the football fans watched Van Aert win the sprint. Disappointment at the football was soon turned into ecstasy thanks to the man from Herentals in Flanders.

And it was not only KV Mechelen from the world of Belgian football who showed Wout their appreciation. Real Madrid and Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also sent his countryman a message of support via his Instagram story.