**Wout van Aert in the 2022 Tour de France: A Testament to Unparalleled Brilliance**
*By Michel Wuyts*
When discussing the pantheon of cycling legends, names like Merckx, Indurain, and Armstrong often dominate the conversation. Yet, in recent years, a new generation of riders has emerged, redefining what it means to be a cyclist. Among these, Wout van Aert stands out as a veritable force of nature—an athlete whose versatility, resilience, and tactical intelligence have cemented his status as one of the greatest riders I have ever seen. His performance in the 2022 Tour de France serves as a shining example of this.
The Context of the 2022 Tour de France
The 2022 Tour de France was a grueling marathon—a test not just of physical endurance but of mental toughness and strategic acumen. The race spanned over 3,350 kilometers, with multiple mountain stages, time trials, and unpredictable weather conditions. It was a landscape where every second counted, and the margin for error was razor-thin.
Wout van Aert, riding for Team Jumbo-Visma, entered the race with a reputation forged through years of consistent performances across one-day classics, stage races, and cobbled classics. Yet, in the context of the 2022 Tour, he transcended his reputation, demonstrating a level of brilliance that has historically only been associated with the sport’s greatest icons.
The Multifaceted Rider: More Than Just a Sprinter or Climber
What makes Wout van Aert exceptional is his extraordinary versatility. Unlike specialists who focus solely on sprint finishes or mountain stages, Van Aert embodies the perfect hybrid. He can surge on the cobbles, contest sprints with the best sprinters, and climb with the top contenders when required. This all-round capability allows him to influence the race in myriad ways, often in subtle but decisive manners.
During the 2022 Tour, Van Aert showcased this versatility repeatedly. He was not just a domestique or a support rider but an active protagonist, often shaping race dynamics. His ability to respond to attacks, launch late escapes, and control the peloton from the front made him a constant threat—one that others often underestimated at their peril.
A Tactical Mastermind
One of the most compelling aspects of Van Aert’s performance is his tactical intelligence. The Tour de France is as much a game of chess as it is a physical contest. Van Aert demonstrated an uncanny ability to read the race, anticipate moves, and position himself optimally.
In the mountain stages, he was often seen marking key climbers, ready to pounce at the right moment. On the flat, he was the ultimate lead-out man, setting up his teammates or contesting sprint finishes himself. His decision-making under pressure was impeccable, often choosing the perfect moment to attack or to conserve energy.
The Mountain Stages and the Fight for the Yellow Jersey
While Van Aert was not the overall winner of the 2022 Tour (that honor went to Tadej Pogačar), his involvement in the race’s decisive moments was pivotal. During the mountain stages, he proved to be a formidable presence. His efforts in supporting his team, defending key positions, and launching surprise attacks kept the peloton honest.
More notably, in the high-altitude climbs, Van Aert displayed incredible resilience. Despite being a rider with a relatively lighter build optimized for versatility rather than pure climbing, he managed to stay with the best, often outpacing some of the pure climbers on certain segments. This ability to fight at altitude and remain competitive is a testament to his conditioning and mental fortitude.
The Classic Wout Van Aert: Winning the Heart of the Fans
Beyond the strategic and physical aspects, Van Aert’s style of racing is captivating. His aggressive approach, willingness to attack, and relentless pursuit of victory make him a fan favorite. His performances in the 2022 Tour, especially in the sprint finishes and breakaways, were electrifying. It’s impossible not to admire his courage and determination.
His victory in the Stage 11 sprint—where he outmaneuvered top sprinters with a powerful lead-out—was a masterclass in racecraft. It reminded fans and critics alike of the classic days of cycling, where audacious attacks and tactical prowess combined to create unforgettable moments.
Why His Brilliance is Too Easily Forgotten
Despite these achievements, Van Aert’s brilliance often remains underappreciated, especially outside the cycling community. In a sport that tends to elevate overall general classification contenders, the multidimensional rider like Van Aert can be underrated. His role as a support rider or his occasional absence from the podium sometimes overshadow his immense contribution.
Furthermore, the narrative in cycling often gravitates toward the stage winners or the overall race leader. Riders like Van Aert, who excel across multiple terrains and roles, do not always receive the recognition they deserve. Yet, his influence on the race—his ability to dictate tempo, inspire his team, and create chaos for rivals—is undeniable.
In the 2022 Tour, Van Aert exemplified this. His efforts were instrumental in shaping the race’s outcome, even if he did not take the yellow jersey himself. His versatility and tactical intelligence are qualities that elevate him to a different echelon of cycling greatness.
The Legacy of Wout Van Aert
Looking ahead, Van Aert’s trajectory suggests that he will continue to be a dominant force in professional cycling. His capacity to adapt, learn, and excel across disciplines makes him a unique athlete. The 2022 Tour de France, with its intense competition and unpredictable stages, showcased his all-around brilliance—a brilliance that, in my view, ranks among the very best in the history of the sport.
In the grand tapestry of cycling history, Wout van Aert’s name is destined to be remembered not just for his victories but for the way he races—fearless, intelligent, and relentless. His performance in the 2022 Tour de France is a testament to his extraordinary talent and determination. As Michel Wuyts often emphasizes, his brilliance is too easily forgotten, but those who truly understand cycling recognize that Wout van Aert is one of the greatest riders I have ever seen.
He epitomizes the modern cyclist: versatile, strategic, and driven by an insatiable desire to excel. The sport is richer and more exciting because of athletes like him, and I believe his legacy will inspire generations to come.
