Wout van Aert has spent more than a decade thrilling Belgian crowds — but on Saturday, it was his son’s turn to steal a little of the spotlight.
At Tim Declerq’s farewell criterium in Belgium, four-year-old Georges van Aert rolled up to the kids’ start line in Belgian colours, calmly guided into position by his father. When the whistle went, he charged away in determined fashion, eventually sprinting to a superb third place.
A small race, perhaps — but footage shared by cycling__for__cycling on Instagram has quickly gone viral on social media, with the youngster’s effort immediately sparking talk of another powerful Van Aert era on the horizon. From balance-bike beginnings to a podium finish at Declerq’s tribute event, the next generation may already be warming up.
Reflecting on a demanding 2025 season
The 2025 campaign was always going to test Van Aert’s resolve — and it did. After the injuries and frustration of 2024, his return this year became a study in persistence rather than fireworks. There were flashes of trademark power and presence, and important depth rides in support of Jonas Vingegaard, but also days when the legs simply weren’t where they once were.
As mentioned, there were definite highs, think stage wins at the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France, but still a comparatively quiet campaign by the Belgian superstar’s own illustrious standards.
A new Van Aert era? The future might already be pedalling
As Van Aert’s own career enters a more strategic phase, Saturday hinted that fans might not have to wait long for the next chapter of the family story.
A Belgian kit, a proud father, a sprint for the line — and a podium for a four-year-old already used to the noise of cycling’s biggest arenas.
The surname carries weight in Belgian sport. On this evidence, it might remain relevant for quite a while yet.