Wout van Aert's training partner reacts to the Belgian's Masked Singer performance: "Even his own mother didn't think Wout was in the suit"

Wout van Aert's season came to an end during the Vuelta a España, where the Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider showcased his dominance by winning three stages and holding both the points and KOM jerseys. However, his campaign was cut short after suffering his second significant crash of the year, a setback that proved challenging for him to overcome mentally.

Yet, van Aert’s return to the spotlight took an unexpected twist, not on the bike but on the TV screen, as he participated in the Belgian edition of The Masked Singer. This popular show format, which has seen international adaptations, previously featured cycling star Nairo Quintana dressed as a lizard on Colombian television. On Friday night, the Belgian icon’s appearance was confirmed as he was unveiled, to everyone’s surprise, in a squirrel suit, performing in front of an enthusiastic crowd—a unique off-season activity for the cycling superstar.

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His training partner, Daan Soete of the Ridley Racing Team, shared his reaction with Sporza, "Until I suddenly saw messages everywhere on Facebook that Wout would be in the suit."

"I really listened to the voice then, but I couldn't link it to Wout. Although I could, because he didn't sing very well. It wasn't until I saw the squirrel's dance moves that I really started to believe it was him."

Soete’s suspicions grew as he observed the character's movements. "The way he walked and moved. That was totally Wout. And even though I know he's not the best dancer, getting that choreography to a good end was really an impressive feat."

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Even van Aert's own family was caught off guard by his performance. "Even his own mother didn't think Wout was in the suit, then you're a good Masked Singer," Soete joked.

Van Aert's participation in The Masked Singer has certainly added a light-hearted chapter to his off-season, providing fans with an entertaining distraction as he recovers from a challenging end to his racing year.