Gourmet! Wout van Aert enjoys time off after Giro d’Italia return to form

After months of speculation that his best is behind him, Wout van Aert has reminded the cycling world of his class with a stunning return to form at the 2025 Giro d’Italia. After the first week it wasn’t looking too good for the Belgian, but flash forward two weeks later, and he was one of the star’s of the show.

Van Aert’s biggest personal moment came on Stage 9 in Siena, where he powered to victory in the shadow of the iconic Piazza del Campo. It was his first win of the season, and one that silenced a wave of criticism from the Belgian press. For a rider of his calibre, the drought had become a national talking point, until he delivered a flawless performance on the gravel roads of Tuscany.

But his greatest contribution to the race may have come for his team. On Stage 20, the Belgian produced what team insiders called his largest power output over a one hour period, helping to launch Simon Yates into the Maglia Rosa and secure an unforgettable Giro win for Team Visma | Lease a Bike.

Van Aert’s selfless riding didn’t stop there. He also played a pivotal role in two sprint victories for teammate Olav Kooij, including on the final day in Rome.

Now, with the Giro behind him, Van Aert is enjoying some well-deserved downtime before his next assignment: supporting Jonas Vingegaard at the 2025 Tour de France. And if his most recent Instagram post is anything to go by, he’s doing it in style.

Van Aert shared a photo on Instagram from a special evening at the three Michelin starred Hof van Cleve, invited by organisers of the E3 Saxo Classic, a race he has won in recent years. Dressed to look the part and holding a glass of champagne, Van Aert looked every inch the man who is back to his best, enjoying a rare moment of stillness after a rollercoaster spring.