Wout van Aert makes comparisons to the 2022 Tour de France after another Vuelta win: 'It’s the best thing there is'
CyclingTuesday, 08 September 2026 at 23:11
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Follow us on GoogleWout van Aert is thoroughly enjoying the 2026 Vuelta a España. The Belgian rider from Visma | Lease a Bike has already won two stages himself and has been wearing the green points jersey for quite some time. His partner in crime, Matthew Brennan, is also flying high. The Brit won Stage 16 on Tuesday, thanks once again to a masterful lead-out by Van Aert, delivering his fourth stage win of this race.
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The Vuelta's second week belongs to Visma | Lease a Bike
While there was still some debate at the start of this Vuelta about the division of roles between Brennan and Van Aert, Visma | Lease a Bike put on a masterclass in cycling during the second and third weeks. The spoils were evenly divided, so everyone went above and beyond for one another. On Day 16, Van Aert set up Brennan for his fourth stage win.
"It seems like Matthew is handling this well, because he just keeps going," Van Aert smiled during the post-race flash interview. "He has really strong legs, in what is still a learning experience for those young guys. The same goes for Jørgen Nordhagen, who has been really strong these past few days. That’s great to see."
A wonderful compliment from the team’s great leader, and it didn’t stop there. Steven Kruijswijk and Nordhagen were praised for their day on the front. “It was entirely up to us to control the race; it took a long time before we got any help. Steven and Jørgen rode so hard at the front of the peloton that the breakaway didn’t stand a chance.”
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Van Aert compares Visma Vuelta team to 2022 Tour de France glory days
Everything Visma | Lease a Bike has set out to do at this Vuelta a España seems to be working out. And so Van Aert drew a comparison to the 2022 Tour de France, when the then Jumbo-Visma team dominated the entire race.
The team won six stages, with Van Aert taking the green jersey and Jonas Vingegaard claiming the yellow and polka-dot jerseys.
"In some ways, this feels just like the 2022 Tour de France, when there was also a great team atmosphere," said Van Aert, who won three stages that year. Vingegaard won two, and Christophe Laporte won one. "Back then, everyone was giving it their all to win, and I see that happening now, too."
Van Aert is brimming with confidence and has a pair of super legs. “I just try to do my best every day, and the beauty of a Grand Tour is that there’s something to do every day. If you’re in the right shape to do that, it’s the best thing there is. And we’re here for more, even though we’re happy with what we’ve already achieved.”
Bram van der PloegEditor-in-chief
Bram van der Ploeg (35) is the proud founder of In de Leiderstrui, IDL Pro Cycling's parent site, launched in 2018. Finally, he could create stories about the sport he had followed since childhood. He is the editor-in-chief on paper, but prefers to be with his recorder next to a rider, a team bus, or in the mud at a cyclocross race. Every year, from February to the end of May, Bram follows the entire Italian cycling season, from the Trofeo Laigueglia to the Giro d'Italia, with the grand finale in October in Lombardy. During that time, he lives in Tuscany, where he has since come to call Italy his 'home'.
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Latest Comments
- - Small nit: you list Paul Seixas as a top favorite—do you mean someone else? Remco yes, Van Aert yes, Pidcock scary with MTB punch, and MVDP is… well, MVDP. But I need clarity on Seixas, por favor.davidm08-09-2026
- - That rib quote going viral might’ve helped him—took pressure off and he just raced instinctive. Give him a leash Sunday and he could solo from 3–4km if the favourites cage each other. Vamos Kevin! (y también, mucha fuerza para Pogacar)sprocketspiny08-09-2026
- - Tough break for Tadej. But saying it’s the USA’s “best shot since Lance in ’93” feels a bit much—what about Kuss-level depth vibes post-Vuelta last year? Still, love the plan to get ahead of the race. Execution will be everything on those Montréal laps.jennifer1908-09-2026
- - Wait, is the Worlds road race really in Montréal on September 27? Thought the Worlds usually rotate continents and are in October some years. Also, no race radios—how do they actually coordinate attacks then?pedalpowe2908-09-2026
- - Brilliant read. Vermaerke’s engine has been humming since those late Vuelta breakaways—Stage 13/14 moves weren’t flukes. If McNulty brings Montréal legs and Jorgenson/Powless mark the big three (Remco/Del Toro/Seixas), the US can play the numbers late.cadencekingm08-09-2026
- - Felix Gall getting slept on again. If Gall attacks on the final mountain stage post-TT and Mas hesitates, gaps can open fast. Still, credit where due—Movistar are controlling every mountain day like it’scadencekingm07-09-2026
- - Not buying the “I’m not worried” line. He’s never beaten Roglič in a TT, and that stat is brutal. Article could’ve dug into aero gains, pacing splits, or wind forecasts instead of repeating history. Feels a bit surface-level.gearguru3307-09-2026
- - Does anyone know what wheels/TT setup Mas used last time he faced Roglič in a similar distance? Would the team switch to a slightly higher cadence strategy to keep him from blowing up late? Curious how much that can claw back.jeremya07-09-2026
- - Great read, but are we sure the TT gap will be “often one and a half minutes” over 30k? Course profile matters loads—if it’s rolling with crosswinds, Mas can survive. Roglič is lethal, sí, pero Mas tiene equipo fuerte hoy. Vamos Enric!jennifer1907-09-2026
- - Mas looks rock solid in red. Movistar have ridden super smart, especially on StageIf he limits losses to under a minute on the ITT, this could be done and dusted.patriciaw07-09-2026
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