Plugge refutes Bruyneel’s Giro claim about Van Aert: "I have a lot of respect for Johan, but this isn’t true"

Van Aert finally made his Giro debut, a race he had already hoped to ride last year. Back then, a crash in Dwars door Vlaanderen ruined those plans. According to former team director Johan Bruyneel, Van Aert’s participation in 2025 can be traced directly back to that missed opportunity in 2024.

"It doesn't really make sense for him to be riding the Giro now," Bruyneel said in an interview with HUMO. "This must be a leftover clause from last year’s contract, when he couldn’t take part due to injury. I imagine it involved a serious amount of money." The Giro d’Italia has a reputation for making contractual agreements with riders and teams to secure participation. “Van Aert is one of the biggest stars in cycling today, his presence brings prestige to their race,” Bruyneel added.

Plugge was confronted by the Belgian media after the first stage of the Giro regarding Bruyneel’s claim. “I have a lot of respect for Johan, but this isn’t true,” the Dutchman responded to the Belgian’s remarks.

If Van Aert had been too ill, he simply wouldn’t have started. “A rider’s health is the only factor we consider when deciding whether someone starts or not. If a rider is too sick or has a fever, he doesn’t start,” Plugge stated.