“He’s had a lot of setbacks recently, but each time he’s come back” - Wout van Aert's wife on why Visma star remains Flanders’ most beloved rider

Few riders in modern cycling command the kind of emotional backing Wout van Aert receives on Flemish roads, and ahead of the 2026 Tour of Flanders, that connection was once again clear.

Among the crowds in Antwerp before the start was Sarah De Bie, Van Aert’s wife, offering a glimpse into why the Visma rider continues to draw such unwavering support, even in an era defined by multiple superstars.

“People also see how human Wout is,” she said in conversation with VTM Nieuws. “He’s had a lot of setbacks recently, but each time he’s come back. People like to see that.”

That sense of resilience has become central to Van Aert’s identity in the peloton. While others arrive at the Tour of Flanders with dominant runs of form or clear tactical superiority, Van Aert’s story has often been shaped by adversity, followed by response.

The scale of support for Van Aert in Flanders is not simply tied to victories. Instead, it reflects a deeper connection built over time, one that has only strengthened through difficult moments.

“Hopefully the coin finally falls our way,” De Bie added, a line that captures both the expectation and the frustration that has followed Van Aert through recent seasons.

Despite consistently being among the strongest riders in the biggest races, the defining win in the Tour of Flanders has remained elusive. Yet rather than diminishing his standing, that near-miss narrative has arguably reinforced his bond with the Flemish public. There is a recognition not just of what he achieves, but of how he gets there.

That support does not come from blind optimism. Within Van Aert’s inner circle, there is a clear understanding of the level required to win this race. “If you don’t believe in your chances, you shouldn’t be at the start,” De Bie said. “He’s smart enough to know that others might be better, but he’s not starting with the mindset of finishing second or third.”

It is a balance between realism and ambition that mirrors Van Aert’s approach heading into the Ronde. He lines up among the favourites, but within a generation where the margins at the very top remain exceptionally fine.

The Tour of Flanders amplifies everything, and for Van Aert, that includes the expectation of a nation. Yet as De Bie’s words underline, it is precisely his resilience and humanity that continue to define his place at the heart of it.