Cycling star van Aert extends contract until the end of his career

Cycling star Wout van Aert wants to stay loyal to his Dutch racing team Visma until the end of his career. As the Visma team announced, the 30-year-old signed a contract until the end of his professional career.

“This is unique in our sport, but neither of us had to think about it for long,” said Richard Plugge, managing director of the team led by two-time Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard. As a helper, Van Aert played a major role in the Dane’s major Tour successes in 2022 and 2023.

“This team is unique and I have enjoyed it for five years and I want it to stay that way. That’s why I have decided to stay here forever,” said van Aert. He announced his decision to the fans in a video message.

Van Aert, who joined the team in 2019, won nine stages in the Tour de France while wearing the Visma jersey. The Belgian is considered an all-rounder. He has won the one-day races Milan-Sanremo, Strade Bianche and Gent-Wevelgem several times. He has been cyclocross world champion three times.

This year was unfortunate for the family man. He had a bad fall in March during the semi-classic Across Flanders and was therefore unable to take part in the Giro d’Italia, among other events. He missed out on winning two stages in the Tour.

At the Spanish Vuelta, he initially rode in the green jersey of the best sprinter before he crashed and had to abandon the Tour of Spain. Due to the knee injury he sustained, he had to cancel the World Championships in Zurich, which will take place from September 21st.