“It’s not nice, but you always have to rise above it” – Wout van Aert’s wife highlights mental resilience after criticism and crash comeback to Milano-Sanremo podium

Wout van Aert’s podium finish at Milano-Sanremo 2026 came after a race defined by adversity, but the performance has also reignited a broader conversation around criticism and resilience, with those closest to him pointing to the mentality behind the result.

After crashing with around 34 kilometres to go, Van Aert was forced into a chase at a key moment in the race. Despite that setback, he fought his way back into contention and launched a late attack to secure third place on the Via Roma. It was a ride that underlined both his physical condition and his ability to respond under pressure.

Speaking after the race in quotes collected by HLN, his wife Sarah De Bie, reflected on the scrutiny that has surrounded Van Aert in recent weeks, particularly suggestions that he is no longer the same decisive rider as before. “It’s not nice, but we don’t really talk about it,” she said. “That’s also why I don’t read the media. I think you always have to rise above it.”

The comments offered a clear insight into how criticism is handled away from racing, with the focus placed firmly on maintaining perspective rather than engaging with external narratives.

Van Aert’s third place in Milano-Sanremo provided a tangible result after a period where performances had not always translated into outcomes. “That third place confirms the form he is in. In recent weeks, he has already ridden well but without getting the results he wanted. This third place will do him good.”

That assessment reflects a rider who has remained competitive, even if results had not always followed, with Milano-Sanremo offering a moment where that underlying level was finally rewarded.

The race itself added further weight to that conclusion. The crash on the approach to the Cipressa disrupted Van Aert’s position at a crucial moment, forcing him to expend energy simply to get back into the race.

From there, the challenge shifted from competing for victory to salvaging the best possible result.

Van Aert did more than that. By the closing kilometres, he was once again in contention, attacking from the chasing group in an effort to reach the leaders and ultimately securing a place on the podium. It was a performance built on persistence as much as form.

After the finish, the focus quickly turned towards what comes next. Following his podium and post-race obligations, Van Aert returned to Belgium on Saturday evening to begin recovery ahead of the Flemish Classics. “Time to go home and recover. The Flemish Classics are coming.”

With races such as Gent-Wevelgem, the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix on the horizon, Milano-Sanremo may yet prove to be a turning point.

Not because of the result alone, but because of what it showed. A rider still capable of delivering under pressure, and still able to respond when things go wrong. The criticism may not disappear, but the response has already been delivered on the road.