Singer last year, genius this year! Wout van Aert returns to television after ending 2025 season

Wout van Aert is stepping into a different kind of spotlight this autumn. The Belgian rider will appear on the popular television quiz show De Slimste Mens Ter Wereld (The Smartest Person in the World). Known for his genius on two wheels, Van Aert now faces questions, quickfire rounds, and the dry humour of the programme’s producers. They teased his participation saying, “Let me down? I didn't have to do anything,” before joking, “Who's going to tell him he can't use a bike in our rounds?”

It will not be the first time Van Aert has surprised viewers on TV. Last October, he appeared in disguise on The Masked Singer, performing dressed as a squirrel in what became a viral moment. At the time, he explained how the opportunity came about. “I was the one who got the offer. It was possible because there was a special guest, as participating for a full season wouldn't fit into the competition schedule,” he said.

The Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider admitted it was an unusual experience. “I was excited and scared at the same time. That really triggered me. I thought that was precisely why I had to do it. You don't just get asked to do it. If I was ever asked, I would at least think about it. ‘Heat’ came a little faster than expected. I knew I was going to be a squirrel. When I saw my suit, I thought, 'What the fuck?'”

Van Aert comes to the show after wrapping up a long season. He closed his 2025 road campaign at the Belgian Super 8 Classic, where Arnaud de Lie took victory. His year included second place at the cyclocross world championships, a spring marked by lingering injuries and limited confidence from 2024, and top-five finishes at both the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.

The real turning points came later. At the Giro d’Italia, he claimed a dramatic gravel stage in Siena, outsprinting Isaac del Toro. Then, in Paris, he stunned the Tour de France on stage 21, dropping Tadej Pogacar on Montmartre to win solo, his first Tour stage victory in three years.

“The stage wins in Siena and Paris really made my year,” he said after finishing his season at the weekend. “There were also some down times, where I missed opportunities. Now it's time for a vacation. But without a bike. They'll be happy about that back home. Now I can really be a dad.”