Van Aert Balances Cycling and Family: “Leaving My Sons Is the Hardest Part”

Wout van Aert, one of the most versatile and dominant cyclists of his generation, has long been known for his relentless drive and dedication to the sport. However, as his family grows, the Belgian rider has admitted that being away from home is becoming the most challenging part of his career.

In a recent interview, Van Aert opened up about the emotional toll of spending long periods away from his wife, Sarah, and their two young sons. “Now that I have two sons, being away from home so much is my biggest sacrifice,” he shared. “Cycling has always required immense commitment, but fatherhood has given me a new perspective on what truly matters.”

A New Perspective on Sacrifice

Van Aert, who competes across multiple disciplines, including road racing and cyclocross, is no stranger to the demanding nature of professional cycling. With a packed race calendar, training camps, and travel commitments, he often spends weeks—sometimes months—away from home. While he has always embraced the physical and mental challenges of the sport, the emotional strain of missing important family moments is something he now grapples with more than ever.

“As an athlete, you learn to push through pain and exhaustion, but missing milestones in my kids’ lives is a different kind of struggle,” he admitted. “When I’m racing, my mind is fully focused on the competition, but in the quiet moments, I miss my family deeply.”

Finding a Balance

Despite the difficulties, Van Aert remains committed to both his career and his family. He credits his wife, Sarah, for being his rock and supporting his ambitions, even when it means managing their home life without him for extended periods. “She’s incredible,” he said. “Without her support, I wouldn’t be able to perform at the level I do.”

To stay connected with his family while on the road, Van Aert makes use of video calls and frequent messages. “Technology helps, but nothing replaces being physically present,” he noted. “The best moments are when I return home after a long race and see my kids running towards me.”

The Road Ahead

As Van Aert prepares for another intense racing season, he acknowledges that balancing his professional and personal life will always be a challenge. However, he remains motivated by both his love for the sport and his deep connection to his family.

“My kids are my biggest inspiration. When I race, I race for them too,” he said. “I want to show them that hard work and passion can lead to great things—but I also want them to know that family is the most important thing in life.”

With his talent, determination, and growing perspective on what truly matters, Wout van Aert continues to push boundaries—both as an athlete and as a devoted father.