Vuelta a España Director Praises Wout van Aert: “I Hope He Wants to Return in the Future
The Vuelta a España, one of cycling’s most prestigious Grand Tours, has witnessed many of the sport’s finest athletes battle for glory across its challenging terrain. In recent years, the race has grown in significance, not only as a standalone event but as a testing ground for many of the world’s top riders ahead of the World Championships. Among those riders, Wout van Aert, the Belgian all-rounder, has left an indelible mark on the race. The Vuelta’s director, Javier Guillén, recently voiced his admiration for Van Aert and expressed a fervent hope that the Belgian star will return to compete in future editions of the race.
Wout van Aert is widely regarded as one of the most versatile riders in the professional peloton. His ability to compete at the highest level in cyclocross, classics, and stage races has earned him a reputation as a formidable competitor. From sprinting to time trials, climbing to descending, van Aert’s skill set allows him to contend for victories in various race scenarios. His participation in Grand Tours has shown his capability as both a stage hunter and a key team player in general classification ambitions.
Although Van Aert’s presence in the Vuelta a España has been sporadic, the Belgian’s ability to electrify the race with daring attacks and powerful sprints has left a lasting impression on both fans and race organizers alike. His combination of raw power and tactical acumen has made him a crowd favorite wherever he races, and the Vuelta has been no exception.
In a recent interview, Javier Guillén, the director of the Vuelta a España, openly praised van Aert for his contributions to the race and his overall impact on the sport. Guillén highlighted van Aert’s versatility, which has allowed him to excel in various stages, including the demanding mountain stages and fast, technical finishes. “Wout van Aert is a special kind of rider. He has the ability to compete with the best climbers in the mountains and yet be right there in the sprints with the pure sprinters. This is something rare in cycling, and we are lucky to have witnessed it at the Vuelta,” Guillén remarked.
Guillén also expressed his hope that van Aert will consider making a return to the Vuelta in future seasons. “I hope Wout wants to come back to the Vuelta. He brings something special to this race, and the fans love him. We’ve seen him do extraordinary things on the bike, and I believe there’s more he can accomplish here,” Guillén added.
Van Aert’s Grand Tour schedule has primarily been focused on the Tour de France in recent years, where he has played a critical role in helping his Jumbo-Visma teammates vie for the yellow jersey while also claiming prestigious stage wins himself. The Vuelta, typically held later in the season, has not always aligned with his objectives, especially with the World Championships often following closely behind. The rigorous nature of the Vuelta, combined with his commitments to the Classics and the Tour, has made it difficult for van Aert to consistently include the Spanish Grand Tour in his schedule.
However, van Aert’s occasional appearances at the Vuelta have been met with significant success. His ability to transition from punishing mountain stages to fast finishes has seen him take on a variety of roles during the race, often working in support of his team leaders or seizing opportunities to claim stage victories. Fans still vividly remember his thrilling performances during the Vuelta, particularly his relentless attacks on mountainous terrain, which further solidified his status as one of the sport’s most exciting talents.
One of the reasons Guillén is so keen to see van Aert return is the strategic importance of the Vuelta in a rider’s season. In recent years, the race has increasingly served as a springboard for top riders to prepare for the World Championships or finish the year on a high. For a rider like van Aert, who often targets the rainbow jersey at the World Championships, the Vuelta offers the perfect opportunity to sharpen his form and fine-tune his race strategy.
Guillén noted this growing trend and suggested that van Aert’s participation in future editions could serve as an excellent precursor to his goals later in the season. “The Vuelta is the perfect preparation for riders aiming for the World Championships or other late-season goals. The terrain, the weather, and the competition level make it ideal for those who want to be at their best at the end of the year,” Guillén explained. “Wout knows how to manage his season, and if he chooses to include the Vuelta, I’m certain he will achieve great things here.”
The question of whether van Aert will return to the Vuelta remains open, but the Belgian’s talent and star power make him a highly sought-after figure for any race organizer. Guillén’s comments reflect not only his personal admiration for van Aert but also the broader appeal the Belgian brings to the race. With his combination of versatility, aggression, and flair, van Aert would undoubtedly continue to light up the Vuelta if he chooses to include it in his racing calendar.
For van Aert, the decision to return to the Vuelta will likely depend on his long-term goals and the demands of his Jumbo-Visma team. Balancing his commitments across multiple disciplines, including cyclocross, the Spring Classics, and the Tour de France, means that the Vuelta will need to fit seamlessly into his schedule. However, should he opt to return, fans and organizers alike can expect more unforgettable moments from one of cycling’s most dynamic riders.
Javier Guillén’s praise for Wout van Aert underscores the Belgian rider’s importance not only to the Vuelta a España but to the sport of cycling as a whole. Van Aert’s unique ability to excel across multiple terrains and race formats has made him a standout figure in the peloton, and his occasional appearances at the Vuelta have only added to the race’s prestige.
As the Vuelta continues to grow in importance and attract the world’s best riders, Guillén’s hope that van Aert will return in the future reflects a broader desire to see the sport’s top talents compete in Spain’s premier cycling event. Whether van Aert chooses to return remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: his presence in the Vuelta would be a welcome and thrilling addition to an already legendary race.
