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Wout van Aert continues to face growing scrutiny in the Belgian media following his performance at Dwars door Vlaanderen. The Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider, who has long carried the expectations of a cycling-mad nation, struggled to meet expectations in the mid-week Classic. With the Tour of Flanders just around the corner, Belgian commentators and analysts have ramped up their criticism, questioning his current form, strategy, and even his mental resilience under pressure.
Despite the criticism, Van Aert has found support from key figures in the cycling world. On Wednesday, Dutch champion Demi Vollering publicly backed Van Aert, praising his consistent efforts and highlighting the unpredictable nature of one-day races. Vollering’s comments offered a refreshing perspective, calling for empathy and understanding rather than piling on pressure.
Today, it was none other than Tadej Pogačar, two-time Tour de France winner and one of the most respected riders in the peloton, who came to Van Aert’s defence. Speaking ahead of his own preparation for the spring Classics, Pogačar addressed the media’s treatment of Van Aert with clear disapproval.
“I think people forget how much Wout gives to this sport,” Pogačar said. “One bad day or one race that doesn’t go to plan doesn’t define a rider like him. He’s one of the strongest and most complete riders in the world. The pressure on him is enormous, especially in Belgium, and I think we should respect what he’s done for cycling.”
Pogačar’s words resonate deeply within the cycling community. Known for his humility and sportsmanship, his support adds weight to the growing call for patience and perspective. He also emphasized the toll such constant criticism can have on athletes’ mental well-being, urging media and fans alike to focus on long-term achievements rather than isolated setbacks.
Van Aert, for his part, has remained composed. In post-race interviews, he acknowledged the disappointment but reaffirmed his commitment to his goals for the spring season. With the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix approaching, his focus remains sharp.
As pressure mounts, the voices of Vollering and Pogačar serve as timely reminders that even cycling’s elite need space to falter, grow, and rise again. In a sport where resilience often matters as much as results, Van Aert’s story is far from over.