She’s the reason I didn’t give up — not on cycling, not on myself” — Wout van Aert’s emotional revelation about the woman who saved his fire
Wout van Aert, one of cycling’s most accomplished and versatile stars, recently opened up about the deeply personal reasons behind his unwavering drive to compete — even in the face of crushing setbacks. “She’s the reason I didn’t give up — not on cycling, not on myself,” Van Aert confessed, describing the pivotal role his wife, Sarah De Bie, played in pulling him out of his darkest moments and reigniting his competitive fire.
The Struggle Behind the Triumph
For fans, Van Aert’s journey often looks like a smooth arc of dominance and resilience. He’s known for searing attacks, tactical genius, and an ability to bounce back from hardship. But beneath the podium celebrations lies a far more vulnerable human story, one marked by self-doubt, frustration, and the risk of giving up.
After a gruesome crash at the Vuelta a España in 2024, Van Aert was left not only with a battered body but with a wounded spirit. The road to physical recovery was grueling, but it was the mental toll — the gnawing fear that his best days were behind him — that threatened to end his career prematurely. He described periods when even getting on the bike felt pointless; small setbacks seemed insurmountable, and the pressures of living up to expectations grew heavier with each passing day.
The Woman Who Changed Everything
Through these struggles, it was Van Aert’s wife who became his anchor. In his own words, he was prepared to step away from the sport — and perhaps even abandon the self-belief that had fueled his world-class achievements. But Sarah refused to let him withdraw into despair.
“She saw me at my worst,” Van Aert recalled in interviews surrounding his emotional 2025 victories. “She told me, ‘You are more than your last result. You owe it to yourself to keep fighting — one more race, one more try.’” Instead of pressure, she gave him comfort; instead of criticism, she offered unwavering encouragement. Her gentle strength and practical support — from managing daily routines to shielding him from external pressures — helped restore his confidence, step by step.
Redemption on the Road
This behind-the-scenes support only became visible to the wider world after Van Aert’s stirring comeback wins in 2025, most notably at the Giro d’Italia. Overcome with emotion after crossing the finish line, Van Aert made a rare, public display of vulnerability, saluting his wife and family as he took the podium.
Reporters asked about the tears streaming down his face, and Van Aert answered with honesty: “It’s not only about winning, but about who’s there when you’re at your lowest. Without her, I don’t know if I’d be here.” He cited the power of meaningful places and shared memories, indicating that these emotional ties — more than medals or records — fueled his final attacks up the steepest climbs.
The Hidden Strength of Champions
While the cycling public sees the solitary rider at the front of the peloton, victories like Van Aert’s are built on a quiet partnership. Sarah’s support allowed Van Aert to embrace his vulnerability, seek help, and refocus not only on results but on the joy of riding. In interviews, Van Aert emphasized that her belief became his lifeline, teaching him to find pride in effort over outcome and to rediscover the pleasure of cycling — the very spirit that first drew him to the sport as a boy.
This emotional openness has made Van Aert’s story resonate far beyond the world of professional cycling. His willingness to credit his wife with saving not just his career, but his sense of self-worth, has inspired countless fans facing their own battles.
A Message of Hope
Van Aert’s story is a powerful reminder: the greatest victories often depend less on physical strength than on the courage to accept support from others. Champions, he’s shown, are forged not only in solitary training, but in the love and encouragement found at home.
As Van Aert continues his career, each win stands as a testament to partnership — and to the idea that the fire within can always be reignited, with a little help from those who believe in us, even when we’ve stopped believing in ourselves.
“She’s the reason I didn’t give up — not on cycling, not on myself.”
