On April 6, 2025, Belgian cycling star Wout van Aert took on one of his most anticipated races of the season: the legendary Tour of Flanders. With the eyes of the cycling world fixed on the cobbled classics, Van Aert’s performance was not just about results—it was about redemption.
Coming off a turbulent 2024 season plagued by injury and missed opportunities, Van Aert entered the 2025 spring classics with renewed determination. The Tour of Flanders, a race that has long eluded his palmarès, stood as both a test and a statement.
From the start, Van Aert was a constant presence in the front of the race, matching the pace of the strongest riders and holding position through the brutal sequence of cobbled climbs and technical descents. As the peloton thinned out and the elite group formed, he remained firmly in contention.
The defining moment of the race came on the final ascent of the Oude Kwaremont, a brutal climb that often separates the contenders from the champions. It was here that Slovenian superstar Tadej Pogacar launched a devastating solo attack, breaking free from the group with remarkable power and sealing his victory with a show of dominance.
Van Aert fought hard in the chase but ultimately crossed the line in fourth place—just shy of the podium. While he may have missed out on a top-three finish, his performance was anything but a disappointment. It was a clear signal that the Belgian is back to his fighting best.
In post-race interviews, Van Aert reflected positively on his effort, expressing satisfaction with how he raced and acknowledging the progress made since his injuries. His ride at Flanders was not just about finishing position—it was a testament to his resilience, form, and hunger.
As he looks ahead to Paris-Roubaix and the rest of the spring campaign, Van Aert carries momentum and a growing sense of belief. The classics season is far from over, and if Flanders was any indication, Wout van Aert is once again a force to be reckoned with.