Wout van Aert Says Goodbye to Coach – ‘It Might Not Hurt to Step Out of My Comfort Zone’
In the high-stakes world of professional cycling, trust between an athlete and their coach can often make or break a career. For Belgian star Wout van Aert, that bond has been a cornerstone of his rise to international stardom. But as of this season, van Aert has made the surprising and emotional decision to part ways with his longtime coach Marc Lamberts — a move he describes as both difficult and necessary.
After more than a decade of collaboration that saw van Aert transform from a promising cyclocross champion into one of the most versatile and accomplished riders in the peloton, the decision marks the end of an era. Yet, van Aert insists the change is not a result of any breakdown or dissatisfaction, but rather a bold step into the unknown.
> “It might not hurt to step out of my comfort zone,” van Aert said in a candid interview with Het Nieuwsblad. “Marc and I have been through so much together. It was not easy. But I feel like I’m at a point in my career where I need to discover new possibilities.”
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A Partnership That Delivered Results
Van Aert and Lamberts began working together in his early professional years, when the young Belgian was primarily known for his cyclocross prowess. Under Lamberts’ guidance, van Aert not only dominated the muddy courses of winter but also evolved into a formidable road racer. Together, they built a training program that emphasized versatility, endurance, and explosive power — all key components of van Aert’s trademark racing style.
That partnership bore significant fruit. With Lamberts at his side, van Aert achieved:
Three World Championship titles in cyclocross (2016, 2017, 2018)
Multiple Tour de France stage wins
Victories in prestigious one-day classics such as Milan–San Remo, Amstel Gold Race, and Strade Bianche
Podium finishes in monuments like Paris–Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders
For van Aert, it wasn’t just about the results, but the trust and emotional support Lamberts provided throughout career highs and personal lows, including his devastating crash at the 2019 Tour de France and the grueling recovery that followed.
> “Marc has been more than a coach,” van Aert shared. “He was a friend, a mentor, someone who understood not just what I needed physically but mentally too.”
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Why the Change?
Though the decision may seem abrupt from the outside, van Aert insists it was not made lightly. At 30 years old and entering what is often considered the peak phase of a rider’s career, he felt a strong internal push for reinvention. With newer training technologies, methodologies, and sports science constantly evolving, the need to adapt became clear.
> “I felt like I had reached a plateau — not in performance necessarily, but in the structure and predictability of my preparation. Sometimes, even good routines can become limiting. This is about exploring what I’m truly capable of in a new framework.”
Sources close to the team suggest the decision was mutual and respectful. Lamberts, who has been with Jumbo-Visma (now Visma–Lease a Bike) for years, reportedly gave his blessing to van Aert’s search for a fresh start. There has been no public animosity, a testament to the strong relationship they built.
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What’s Next for Van Aert?
With the 2025 season in full swing, speculation is swirling about who will take over van Aert’s training responsibilities. While no official announcement has been made, insiders suggest he may opt for a hybrid approach — potentially working with a high-performance consultant or sports scientist, rather than a traditional coach.
Van Aert has also hinted at a more data-driven, collaborative setup, possibly incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as real-time performance analytics, AI-based training platforms, and biometric monitoring. His focus seems to be on maximizing marginal gains — a strategy already widely adopted by teams like Ineos Grenadiers and UAE Team Emirates.
His goals remain unchanged: chase monument wins, stage victories, and another green jersey in the Tour de France, while keeping an eye on the 2025 UCI Road World Championships.
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Fans and Fellow Riders React
The cycling community has reacted with a mix of surprise and admiration. Many fans have taken to social media to thank Lamberts for his contributions and express support for van Aert’s decision. Teammates and rivals alike have commented on the move, with some applauding his courage to seek growth at the top level.
Former world champion and commentator Philippe Gilbert remarked, “It’s a bold move. Wout is already one of the most complete riders in the world. This could elevate him even further — or it could be a risk. But that’s what greatness often demands.”
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Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins
Wout van Aert’s decision to part ways with Marc Lamberts is not the end of a partnership but the beginning of a new journey. It’s the mark of an athlete unwilling to settle, even at the top of his game. In a sport where comfort zones often lead to complacency, van Aert’s bold move could well be the catalyst for the next great chapter of his illustrious career.