"The relief has never been so great” – Wout van Aert’s wife details ecstasy of Giro d’Italia triumph

Sunday marked a long-awaited triumph for Wout van Aert. In the iconic streets of Siena, the Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider claimed his first win of the season, and did so in spectacular fashion, on what will go down as one of the most memorable stages in recent Giro d’Italia history.

After a challenging start to 2025 and setbacks along the way, van Aert’s stunning victory on the gravel delivered a powerful moment of redemption. For a rider who has so often lit up the sport with courageous performances, this was a result that felt both overdue and richly deserved.

A beautiful win, for a rider that has given us so many beautiful moments throughout his career so far.

No one felt the emotion more than his wife, Sarah De Bie. Speaking to HLN after the stage, she admitted just how much the moment meant to their family, "The relief has never been so great."

“The fact that it works out here again means a lot,” she said.

Recalling her experience of the finish, De Bie laughed as she described the chaotic joy of the moment. “(laughs) I didn’t get up in time with the buggy. I could see from the soigneur that he had won, because I couldn’t see it myself. I was so ecstatic. I think Georges was also very shocked. Because the relief has never been as great as it is now. (laughs) Georges did ask straight away if daddy also has the pink jersey.”

For van Aert, it was more than just a stage win, it was a reward for months of sacrifice.

“Wout finally sees his hard work - both mentally and physically - rewarded,” De Bie continued. “This means a lot to him. This will give him a boost. Due to the circumstances, I can say that this is the best victory he has ever achieved.”