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.”