Wout van Aert receives praise: "He could live in Monaco, and drive a red Ferrari"

On Saturday, Van Aert secured victory in Gullegem, Belgium, where he dealt with Eli Iserbyt in the final laps. It marked the first win for Van Aert, who kicked off his cyclo-cross winter a week and a half earlier in Loenhout, since his stage wins in the Vuelta a España.

The following day, the World Cup in Dendermonde presented a different set of challenges. After and during all the rain, the course transformed into a mud pool. Undeterred, the powerful Belgian rider in Dutch service overcame the adverse conditions, enjoying a good start from the third row and eventually pulling away from the competition. Fully covered in mud, he crossed the finish line, attracting the attention of the international press.

Holm expressed his admiration for Van Aert's unwavering determination on social media. "He doesn't have to do it or prove anything,' the Dane said. 'Wout could live in Monaco, drive a red Ferrari, or cruise around and get a tan in Calpe, but he didn't!! This is a Champ. Respect," Holm concluded.

Two days later, Van Aert boarded the airport and headed toward Calpe, where Visma | Lease a Bike is organizing a training camp. On January 19, he returns to competition in Benidorm. Six days later, he will ride his last cyclo-cross race of this winter in Maasmechelen, Belgium.