Belgian rider Wout van Aert played a vital role in Simon Yates’ winning attack at the Giro d’Italia, helping his teammate gain the maglia rosa in Sestriere. The 2025 Giro d’Italia came to an unexpected and emotional end as Van Aert’s performance cemented Visma-Lease a Bike team’s victory.
Van Aert has gradually rebuilt his form after a disappointing Spring Classics campaign, winning stages in Gravel and finishing second on several stages. In the final week of the Giro, he joined attacks multiple times to support Yates.
On Saturday, Van Aert excelled as a ‘GC Van Aert’, joining the break of the day and producing a huge effort to stay clear of GC riders over the Colle delle Finestre. He then helped Yates gain almost five minutes on rivals by staying with him during the descent and valley road to Sestriere.
Yates praised Van Aert as his ‘ultimate teammate’, saying he is grateful for his performance. “I love it when people don’t race for a place of honour,” Van Aert said at the finish, acknowledging that Yates’ attack was the key to their victory.
Source: https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/i-love-it-when-people-dont-race-for-a-place-of-honour-wout-van-aert-plays-vital-role-in-simon-yates-giro-ditalia-winning-attack