A jubilant Wout van Aert recently expressed his elation after triumphing in Stage 9 of the Giro d’Italia, a victory that also marked the completion of his Grand Tour stage collection. This success not only signified a notable achievement in Van Aert’s career but also delivered a sense of redemption following a challenging period that includes a nine-month winless streak initiated by a crash at the Vuelta a Espana the previous year. “Lactate was everywhere,” he candidly admitted, highlighting the physical toll the race had taken on him.
Van Aert, representing Visma-Lease a Bike, delivered a performance that he described as deeply fulfilling, stating, “This victory means a lot to me, I almost can’t explain it.” The moment was even more poignant as it took place in Tuscany, which holds special meaning for the cyclist. He recalled this region fondly, as it was where he launched his professional cycling career back in 2018. “To win this stage after a long period without delivering, it feels so good,” he reflected, celebrating the emotional weight of his win.
Interestingly, it seemed unlikely just a year prior that Van Aert would enter the opening Grand Tour of the 2025 season without any victories under his belt. Following his ill-fated Vuelta crash, which hampered his off-season training, he found himself grappling with adversity. Although he demonstrated promise during the Spring Classics, he ultimately faced a series of disappointments and failed to secure a win.
However, during a captivating visit through the storied white roads of Tuscany, Van Aert skillfully navigated a challenging race. He avoided a crash that ensnared prominent competitors like Primoz Roglic of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe and Tom Pidcock from Q36.5 Pro Cycling. As the race progressed, splits formed within the peloton, and Van Aert made his move, joining Isaac del Toro of UAE Team Emirates-XRG in a leading group. Their collaboration proved beneficial, as they raced past familiar routes Van Aert had traversed in previous races, most notably winning at Strade-Bianche in 2020.
On a breathtaking final climb, Van Aert took advantage of his strength, maneuvering past Del Toro in a sprint for the finish that escalated to a heart-stopping moment at the final corner. He almost collided with the barrier before sweeping into Siena, where he claimed a cathartic victory. “I have to say he did such an amazing ride,” acknowledged Van Aert, recognizing the skill and determination shown by his competitor. Although Del Toro was a title contender for Van Aert’s teammate Simon Yates, the two riders battled fiercely for the stage win, pushing themselves to their limits.
Van Aert’s candid remarks about his final corner experience summed up the high stakes of the race. “Lactate was everywhere and I didn’t do a really good last corner. I almost missed it.” This raw honesty resonated with fans and added an extra layer to the drama of the event, creating an emotional connection between Van Aert and his supporters.
The significance of his victory was underscored by cycling analyst Robbie McEwen, who aptly described it as a “victory of redemption” on the TNT Sports program, *The Breakaway*. Notably, this win came after a year peppered with trials, starting with his—unfortunate September 2024 injuries at the Vuelta where he achieved three stage victories only to be sidelined by a knee injury from a crash. He had already endured a harrowing fall in March at Dwars door Vlaanderen, resulting in a broken collarbone and several ribs.
Despite some overshadowing by cyclists like Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel earlier in the season, Van Aert’s performance at the Giro provided a reminder of his exceptional versatility and skill. Commentator Adam Blythe commended him as “the ultimate bike rider,” acknowledging his ability to excel across various types of races from the Classics to mountain stages and sprints. This multifaceted talent, he noted, makes Van Aert an invaluable asset in any competitive cycling scenario.
As the Giro d’Italia continues, with a crucial 28.6km individual time trial scheduled for Tuesday, Van Aert’s victory stands as a beacon of inspiration for both fans and fellow competitors. Those seeking to keep up with the excitement of the cycling season can tune in to follow the action live on TNT Sports and discovery+. With this win, Van Aert has not only delighted his fans but may also have set the stage for even greater achievements in the remainder of the Grand Tour.