Belgian powerhouse wraps up an epic year with a final flourish of races before a well-earned break
In a season marked by relentless ambition, incredible versatility, and tireless racing across terrains and tours, Belgian cycling sensation Wout van Aert is set to conclude his monumental 2025 campaign with a final stretch that includes the Deutschland Tour and a selection of prestigious one-day races.
The 30-year-old Jumbo-Visma leader has been omnipresent across disciplines and continents this year—from the muddy cyclocross circuits of winter to the grueling mountain stages of both the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France. Now, as the European road season begins to wind down, van Aert is preparing to make his final statements on the road before hanging up his wheels for a well-earned off-season.
A Season Unlike Any Other
Van Aert’s 2025 season has been, in a word, colossal. The year kicked off as it often does for the Belgian star—with a full cyclocross winter that saw him locking horns with longtime rivals Mathieu van der Poel and Tom Pidcock. Although he narrowly missed out on the World Championship podium, his performances confirmed his form heading into the road season was on point.
Spring brought no respite. Instead, it marked the beginning of a relentless campaign through the one-day Classics. From the cobbles of the Tour of Flanders to the brutal climbs of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, van Aert was a constant threat. He took victory at E3 Saxo Classic and finished on the podium at Strade Bianche and Paris-Roubaix, showcasing his unmatched range across terrain types.
“I never like to just be present,” van Aert said after his podium in Roubaix. “If I’m racing, I want to be racing to win. This spring has been a test, both physically and mentally, but I feel like I’m stronger than ever.”
Giro-Tour Double: A Bold Decision
The most daring part of van Aert’s 2025 calendar came with the decision to tackle both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France—something rarely attempted by modern general classification contenders, let alone a rider known for his all-around capabilities.
Jumbo-Visma supported the move, with team director Grischa Niermann stating, “Wout’s ambition is what sets him apart. He doesn’t just want stage wins—he wants to test his limits. And this year, that meant going all-in on both Grand Tours.”
At the Giro, van Aert was in scintillating form. Though not riding for GC, he claimed two stage wins—one in a hilly breakaway and another in a dramatic sprint finish—and wore the points jersey for several stages. He was instrumental in setting up his teammates, fulfilling both personal and team goals in a race that tested all aspects of his endurance.
Then came the Tour de France, where van Aert again proved indispensable. Acting as a super-domestique for GC hopeful Jonas Vingegaard while still carving out opportunities for himself, he earned a remarkable solo win on Stage 12 and was a daily feature in breakaways, sprints, and even time trials.
By the end of July, van Aert had raced over 70 days in the year—a staggering figure in modern cycling. And yet, true to form, he wasn’t done.
Deutschland Tour: The Final Stage Race
Now van Aert’s 2025 season will conclude with the Deutschland Tour, set to take place from August 27 to 31. The five-day race, while not as prestigious as the Grand Tours, has become an important end-of-season fixture and an ideal playground for aggressive, multi-talented riders like van Aert.
Van Aert previously raced the Deutschland Tour in 2022, where he finished second overall and took a stage win. This time, he’s expected to lead Jumbo-Visma’s squad, aiming for both stage victories and potentially the general classification.
Race director Fabian Wegmann expressed excitement at van Aert’s participation: “Having Wout in the race brings an enormous spotlight. He’s not just a big name—he animates the race, and fans love that. His presence elevates the entire event.”
The course suits his style perfectly. With rolling terrain, punchy finishes, and a decisive time trial, it offers van Aert a chance to flex his full range of skills one last time in 2025.
One-Day Races to Wrap It All Up
Following the Deutschland Tour, van Aert will round out his calendar with several one-day races in early September. While his exact program has not been fully confirmed, sources close to the team indicate likely participation in events such as:
- Bretagne Classic (Plouay)
- Grand Prix de Québec & Montréal (Canada)
- Primus Classic (Belgium)
- Memorial Rik Van Steenbergen
These races offer van Aert a mix of WorldTour prestige and local resonance, especially in his native Belgium, where every appearance draws thousands of fans eager to see their hero in action.
“It’s important for me to finish the year on a high note,” van Aert commented in a recent team video. “These are the races where you can just go full gas, take some risks, and really enjoy riding your bike. After such a heavy season, I still have that fire.”
Eyes on the Future
With the 2025 World Championships held unusually late this year in late October in Africa, van Aert has opted not to extend his season toward that goal, citing a need for recovery and family time.
“This year has taken a lot out of me,” he said. “Mentally and physically, I’ve pushed myself. It’s time to rest, spend time at home, and prepare for the next big goals.”
Looking ahead to 2026, van Aert is expected to return with fresh targets, including another go at the Spring Classics, a possible solo tilt at the Tour de France GC, and a likely return to cyclocross.
Fans will also be watching closely to see how his role continues to evolve within Jumbo-Visma, especially with the emergence of young stars like Olav Kooij and Matteo Jorgenson.
The Legacy Continues
Whether he’s grinding up Alpine climbs, charging through cobbled sectors, or chasing down breakaways with raw determination, Wout van Aert has redefined what it means to be a modern professional cyclist. 2025 may not have delivered him a Monuments win or a rainbow jersey, but it showcased a rider whose love for racing transcends statistics.
As he lines up for the Deutschland Tour later this month, fans will once again witness a rider closing his season not by winding down, but by firing up.
In a sport where specialization often dominates, van Aert remains cycling’s great exception: a true all-rounder with the heart of a warrior.
Don’t miss a moment—follow Wout van Aert’s final races of 2025 as he blazes through the Deutschland Tour and fall Classics! #VanAert2025 #DeutschlandTour #CyclingLegend
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