Van Aert reflects on a difficult season: "Too many ups and downs"

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.”