Now he knows for sure: Van Aert and Visma | Lease a Bike can fully count on Laporte in the spring of 2026

Sports director Arthur van Dongen was extremely proud. “An overall victory in a stage race is always nice, especially for Christophe, who has had a difficult time. The men worked very hard to secure the victory.”

The fact that it happened in the Tour of Holland was particularly pleasing to the sports director. "As a Dutchman, it's great to race in my own country. I think it can grow into a great event on the calendar, as there is a lot of demand for it. It feels really good to end it this way."

Christophe, how relieved are you?
“It’s great to end the season this way. It was a tough season because I couldn’t cycle or compete for so long. At one point, you even start to doubt whether you’ll be able to return at all, but I managed it. I wasn’t sure whether I’d be able to get back into good shape this season, so I’m pleased with this.”

When did you know for sure you would win?
“After the stage over the VAM mountain, I knew it was possible because I already had a nice lead in the rankings. But in the last stage, there were also a lot of attacks, because many riders knew it was the last race of the season.

My teammates were very motivated to make something of it, but despite that, I was still a bit stressed. However, with a strong team around me, we managed to defend the jersey."

Many riders are happy that the season is over, but how do you feel about it? Now that you're in good shape after being out for so long.
“For me, that’s definitely the case. I haven’t been able to race much, but that wasn't easy. Mentally, I need the rest to wrap up this year and then create a good foundation for next season. After this victory, I am confident that I can reach my best level again in the spring.”

I spoke to you before the Renewi Tour, and you said you weren't sure if you would be able to reach your level this season. Have you surprised yourself in recent weeks?
“I felt terrible during the first few days of the Renewi Tour, but I still managed to get through it. Then I realized that races are challenging when you're not feeling well. Things started to improve towards the end, and that has actually continued week after week. I also saw my wattage improving during training, which is always motivating.

I was able to help the team, and in Binche-Chimay-Binche and Paris-Tours, I was allowed to go for it on my own, which went well. The fact that I was able to compete well there, even though I'm not at my best, was good for my morale."

How important are these performances for your confidence in your own body?
'Very important. I didn't need anything else to get a boost again. When you're as out of shape as I was, you wonder why. It's something you've never experienced before, and at a certain point, you don't even know if it will ever go away. It drives you crazy.

Things slowly got better, but now I'm fit again and can enjoy racing again. When everything goes well, it's easy. But when it doesn't, it's all the more difficult. I promised myself that I would just enjoy it again."

Will you do things differently because of your short season, or will you choose the usual approach?
“I think I’ll choose the same approach as usual. I’m in good shape, so now I can take a well-deserved rest after a month and a half of racing. I need that rest; otherwise, I’ll start the season exhausted. Paris-Roubaix is still a long way off, so this winter I’ll just take the time to build up my fitness again.”