“Do it for your children” – Emotional footage shows Visma cheer on Wout van Aert to unforgettable Giro win
Cycling
Wout van Aert has won almost everything there is to win in
cycling. But in recent years, his career has been defined as much by setbacks
and injuries as by triumphs. On Sunday, however, he reminded the world exactly
who he is.
Stage 9 of the 2025 Giro d’Italia saw the peloton tackle the
brutal gravel sectors of Tuscany, iconic stretches borrowed from Strade Bianche,
and finish in the historic heart of Siena. On these unforgiving roads, Van Aert
became a Grand Tour stage winner once again, delivering one of the most
emotional victories of his career.
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New footage has now emerged from the Team Visma | Lease a
Bike car, revealing the intensity and emotion inside the team as Van Aert
fought for glory. Sporting director Marc Reef was on the radio during one of
the most critical moments of the stage, urging his rider forward.
“They’re dropping, Wout! You’re alone with Del Toro now.
Come on, man. This is your day. Do it for your children!” Reef shouted, as Van
Aert held firm on a decisive climb alongside Mathias Vacek, Egan Bernal, and
Isaac Del Toro on an epic stage of the Giro.
As Del Toro surged on a sloping section, Van Aert clung to
his wheel with determination. Reef warned him of what was to come, “You have to
be at the front now, because there will be an attack on the 14% section.”
Then, on the punishing final ramp of the Via Santa Caterina,
Reef’s voice echoed again through the radio, “Keep fighting! Stay on your
wheel!”
Van Aert did more than that. He found another gear, surged
past his Mexican rival, and powered his way to a stunning solo win in Siena.
The Visma car erupted in pure elation as the Belgian crossed the line.
“YES! YES! YES!” Reef and his colleagues screamed,
overwhelmed by the moment and the magnitude of the comeback. Remember, this was
Van Aert’s first win in 2025, and his first win since his horrible crash at last
year’s Vuelta. He has now completed his hat trick of grand tour stages.
It was a victory that meant the world, not only to the rider
and his team but also to his family. Speaking to HLN, Van Aert’s wife
Sarah De Bie summed up the emotion of the day.
“The relief has never been so great,” she said. “The fact
that it works out here again means a lot.”
"Do it for your kids." 🥹💪🏼
— Velon CC (@VelonCC) May 18, 2025
Go inside @vismaleaseabike's team car with Sports Director Marc Reef to relive Wout van Aert's outstanding victory on Stage 9 of the Giro d'Italia 🎙️
_______________
🇮🇹 #GirodItalia pic.twitter.com/1jGP1JWXoa
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
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