“It’s amazing to say I’ve been teammates with both Wout and Mathieu” - British star explains why Van Aert stands above Van der Poel

As Ben Tulett gears up for the 2025 Vuelta a Espana, where he's to expected to serve as a key climbing domestique for Jonas Vingegaard, the young Brit is not only coming into his own physically — but also reflecting on how far he’s come.

In a conversation with Wieler Revue, Tulett spoke candidly about what it means to ride alongside some of the sport’s biggest names, especially Wout van Aert, a figure he once idolised from afar.

“Even now, I’m still a bit in awe when I talk to Wout — but in a good way,” Tulett admitted with a laugh. “I really enjoy training and racing with him because he remains a role model for me. He’s such a selfless team player. Really inspiring.”

Van Aert’s team-first mentality left a lasting impression on Tulett earlier this season during the Clásica Jaén Paraiso Interior, where the Belgian star sacrificed his own ambitions to support the younger rider. “In that race, he completely committed to helping me. It was surreal. Of course, in the moment, you’re just focused on executing the plan, but afterwards, it really hit me — a great champion had gone all in to help me. That says everything about who Wout is.”

Tulett’s admiration for Van Aert stretches back to his teenage years, and the respect clearly runs deep, with the Brit even placing his Belgian above Mathieu van der Poel, who Tulett previously raced with at Alpecin-Fenix. “Alongside Wout, Mathieu van der Poel was another rider I looked up to — but Wout was the idol,” he said. “It’s amazing to be able to say I’ve been teammates with both of them.”

Tulett’s own journey hasn’t been without setbacks. His first season with Team Visma | Lease a Bike was riddled with bad luck — untimely illnesses and a crash at the Vuelta a Burgos that left him with a fractured shoulder blade meant he missed last year’s Vuelta entirely. “It was a difficult year, no doubt. The results didn’t really come, and missing the Vuelta was tough. But I’ve learned to bounce back from disappointment. Those challenges made me a stronger rider — and a better person.”

This year, Tulett is approaching his racing with fresh motivation and clear targets. After a three-week altitude training camp in Tignes, he’ll race the Tour de l’Ain before heading back to altitude ahead of the Vuelta a Espana. “I’m really excited. The Vuelta is my biggest goal of the season.”

Despite still being just 23, Tulett is steadily carving out a leadership role within one of the world’s strongest teams. His overall win at the Settimana Coppi e Bartali and a string of strong results in 2024 haven’t gone unnoticed — securing him a new two-year deal with the Dutch squad.

But even as his star rises, Tulett remains grounded — anchored by the humility and work ethic of the very riders he once watched in awe. “Wout sets such an example. Whether he’s winning or riding in support of others, he’s completely committed. That’s something I try to carry into my own racing every day.”

And soon, as the roads steepen in Spain, Ben Tulett will aim to do just that — ride not only for his leaders, but with the quiet determination of someone who’s learned from the very best.