Van Aert notes Visma | Lease a Bike’s newcomers aren’t the biggest names "on paper," but "smart signings nonetheless"

Van Aert had already confirmed that he would be skipping the World Gravel Championships, but there will certainly be no other surprises in the calendar. “I could announce that I'm riding the Tour of Lombardy, but that wouldn't scare anyone,” he laughs to Het Laatste Nieuws. “I've already booked my vacation and I don't intend to change anything.”

After a season that lasted eight months, it is now important for Van Aert to recharge his batteries. The year 2025 was not really a good one for the 30-year-old cyclo-cross rider. “For me, there were a few too many ups and downs this season,” he analyses. “I think it was a good season, but not always an easy one. I often had to work through it because it didn't just happen by itself.”

“But I certainly enjoyed it and I think I confirmed that I'm still here,” says Van Aert, who won in the gravel stage of the Giro d'Italia and the final stage of the Tour de France. “I won two great races, even though I felt like my legs weren't as strong. That taught me that I can continue to believe in myself.”

After the races in Canada and the Super 8 Classic, it's time for a vacation. However, the focus will shift to winter afterward. Van Aert plans to shine again in the field, but we'll have to wait and see when we'll see the Visma | Lease a Bike rider racing again. “I'm definitely going to take a month off. I'll start training at the beginning of November, and then we'll take it step by step.”  

In Canada, Van Aert also spoke about the transfers that have been made at Visma | Lease a Bike. Among others, Tiesj Benoot is leaving as Van Aert's important lieutenant. "I'm definitely disappointed about his departure," Van Aert admits in conversation with Sporza. "Tiesj is a good friend and a super strong rider. I would have liked to see him extend his contract, but I understand his choice, and I wish him all the best."

Benoot is leaving for Decathlon-CMA CGM, which has secured a new major sponsor in CMA CGM. “For us, that might be a bit of a curse, because with even more financially powerful teams, it's difficult to stay at the top with a smaller budget,” Van Aert explains.

Nevertheless, Van Aert does not view these developments pessimistically. “But it's not a problem for us, because we are one of the best teams and our structure is rock solid. It's a blessing for our sport. The more money that flows into cycling, the more attention and the more potential sponsors.”

In addition to Benoot, Olav Kooij and Dylan van Baarle are also leaving. They will be replaced by riders such as Tim Rex, Piettro Mattio, and Anton Schiffer. “We have to be honest about it: this is not the year in which we have made huge transfers. At least not on paper, if you look at the names.”

“I don't think I'm hurting anyone by saying this, but some smart transfers have been made. These are guys I believe in, guys who will make progress. That will be important, because we are losing experience, but I am confident that the new guys will do well.” With Timo Kielich (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Bruno Armirail (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale), it has also managed to sign some better-known names.