Breaking News: ‘The Best Wout van Aert Still to Come’ — Richard Plugge Backs Visma Star to Reach Another Level
In a powerful and optimistic statement that has energized cycling fans across the globe, Richard Plugge, general manager of Team Visma-Lease a Bike, has declared that the best of Wout van Aert is still on the horizon. Despite a career already filled with monumental achievements, Plugge insists that Van Aert has yet to reach his ultimate potential — a bold assertion that reflects both the team’s confidence and their long-term vision for one of the sport’s most celebrated riders.
Plugge’s comments came during a wide-ranging interview with Dutch media, where he addressed the team’s current standing, its ambitions for the upcoming seasons, and, notably, the trajectory of Van Aert’s career. The timing of his remarks is significant, as Van Aert works his way back from injury setbacks and prepares for what could be a defining chapter in his journey as a professional cyclist.
A Career Already Filled With Triumph
Since turning professional, Wout van Aert has built a résumé that most riders would envy. A former multiple-time cyclocross world champion, Van Aert has seamlessly translated his dominance onto the road, where he has become one of the most versatile and reliable riders in the peloton.
From stage wins at the Tour de France — including victories on flat sprints, time trials, and mountain stages — to classic victories like Milan-San Remo and Strade Bianche, Van Aert has consistently showcased his incredible range. He has been a cornerstone of Visma’s success, helping the team claim yellow jerseys, monuments, and world titles.
Yet, according to Plugge, what the cycling world has witnessed so far is only the beginning.
“Wout is already one of the greats,” Plugge acknowledged. “But we truly believe that he has another level within him. His dedication, his hunger to improve, his physical and mental abilities — all of these suggest that the best Wout van Aert is still to come.”
A Vision of Improvement
Plugge elaborated on several factors that fuel his belief in Van Aert’s upward trajectory. Central to this is Van Aert’s continuous drive for self-betterment.
“Wout is never satisfied. Every offseason, he looks at where he can be better — whether that’s in his climbing, his time trialing, his positioning in the final kilometers. He’s a student of the sport, and that’s what sets him apart.”
Physically, Plugge noted that Van Aert is entering what many consider the prime years of a cyclist’s career. At 30, Van Aert combines years of top-level racing experience with a body that remains at peak performance. Advances in sports science, nutrition, and training methods — all of which Visma-Lease a Bike has embraced — have given Plugge confidence that Van Aert’s ceiling is higher than ever.
Overcoming Adversity
Part of the belief in Van Aert’s future stems from his proven resilience. 2024 was a year of ups and downs, marked by a significant crash during the Dwars door Vlaanderen that sidelined Van Aert for much of the spring. His absence from the cobbled classics was keenly felt, but his comeback at the Tour de France and later races showcased his determination and ability to rebound stronger.