Wout Van Aert: Knee | Red Bull Helmet | Height | Tour de France Stage Wins
Wout Van Aert is one of the most electrifying and versatile cyclists of the modern era. Known for his dominance across multiple disciplines—from cyclo-cross to road racing—Van Aert has captivated cycling fans around the globe. Whether he’s sprinting, climbing, time-trialing, or launching long-range attacks, the Belgian star brings drama and talent in equal measure.
In this in-depth article, we will explore everything you need to know about Wout Van Aert, including updates on his knee injury, the story behind his Red Bull helmet, his height and physical stats, and his Tour de France stage wins that have defined his Grand Tour legacy.
Who Is Wout Van Aert?
Born on September 15, 1994, in Herentals, Belgium, Wout Van Aert is a professional cyclist who currently rides for Team Visma | Lease a Bike, formerly Jumbo-Visma. Before rising to fame on the road, Van Aert made his name in cyclo-cross, becoming a three-time world champion.
What sets Van Aert apart is his ability to excel across terrains and roles. He can win a flat sprint, dominate a time trial, and even drop climbers in the mountains. In today’s era of cycling specialists, Van Aert stands out as a complete all-rounder.
Wout Van Aert Knee Injury: What Happened?
Crash in Dwars door Vlaanderen 2024
Wout Van Aert suffered a serious knee injury during a crash in Dwars door Vlaanderen in March 2024. The incident occurred during the final 70 kilometers of the race, resulting in a high-speed pileup that also affected other notable riders.
Van Aert sustained multiple injuries, but the most concerning was the fracture to his right knee and several broken ribs. Medical scans confirmed a fractured clavicle, a sternal contusion, and damage to the knee joint—forcing him to withdraw from his Spring Classics campaign and reshuffle his Tour de France preparations.
Recovery and Rehab
Following surgery, Van Aert embarked on a rigorous rehabilitation program. Under the supervision of Team Visma’s medical staff, he began low-impact training on a stationary bike, followed by swimming and stability exercises to aid knee recovery.
By June 2024, Van Aert was back on the road, albeit cautiously. Although he missed Paris-Roubaix and Tour of Flanders, he returned to competitive form by the Belgian National Championships and was later confirmed for the 2024 Tour de France.
Impact on Performance
Despite the injury, Van Aert’s performance remained resilient. Though not at his explosive best in the first stages of the Tour, he played a pivotal team role in mountain stages and time trials, supporting Jonas Vingegaard and taking bold solo attempts for stage wins.
The knee injury may have slowed him temporarily, but it didn’t break his spirit or competitive edge.
The Iconic Red Bull Helmet: Why Does Wout Van Aert Wear It?
One of the most recognizable aspects of Van Aert’s appearance is his Red Bull helmet—a symbol of elite performance and unique branding.
Red Bull Athlete Program
Wout Van Aert is part of the Red Bull athlete family, a select group of high-performance athletes across various sports disciplines. As a Red Bull-sponsored rider, Van Aert is allowed to wear a customized Red Bull-branded helmet, even while racing for a WorldTour team.
This exception is rare in professional cycling, as most riders must wear team-sponsored helmets. However, Red Bull negotiated special permission with Team Visma to allow Van Aert to continue representing the energy drink giant.
Design and Symbolism
The Red Bull helmet isn’t just a marketing gimmick. It’s a statement of individuality and excellence. Van Aert’s helmet features the iconic blue, red, and silver color scheme, with the charging bulls facing each other—signifying power, aggression, and ambition.
For fans, the helmet makes Van Aert instantly identifiable in the peloton. For competitors, it’s a sign that one of the world’s most complete riders is close by—and likely plotting an attack.
Wout Van Aert Height and Physical Stats
Van Aert possesses the ideal physique for a cycling all-rounder. His height and build give him an advantage in time trials and flat sprints while still allowing him to hang tough in the mountains.
- Height: 1.90 meters (6 feet 3 inches)
- Weight: Approximately 78 kg (172 pounds)
- Wingspan: Reported at 1.92 meters
- Resting Heart Rate: 38 bpm
- FTP (Functional Threshold Power): Estimated above 420 watts
His towering height and long legs contribute to a powerful pedal stroke, making him devastating on solo breakaways and time trials. At the same time, his core strength and endurance allow him to thrive in multi-week races like the Tour de France.
Wout Van Aert’s Tour de France Stage Wins
Wout Van Aert’s legacy at the Tour de France is already secured, and he is far from done. Since his debut in 2019, Van Aert has amassed multiple stage wins in a variety of formats—sprints, mountain stages, and time trials.
Tour de France Stage Wins by Year
2019 – Breakthrough Debut
- Stage 10 (Albi) – A stunning sprint win in a chaotic crosswind stage.
2020 – Sprint Double
- Stage 5 (Privas) – Beat Sam Bennett in a nail-biting sprint.
- Stage 7 (Lavaur) – Another win during a hectic crosswind stage.
2021 – Triple Threat
- Stage 11 (Mont Ventoux) – Epic mountain win, dropping climbers on the iconic Mont Ventoux.
- Stage 20 (Individual Time Trial) – Dominated the TT to Libourne.
- Stage 21 (Paris Champs-Élysées) – Capped the Tour with a sprint victory on the most prestigious finish line.
2022 – Stage Hunting and Green Jersey
- Stage 4 (Calais) – Explosive finish after a late break.
- Stage 8 (Lausanne) – Uphill sprint victory.
- Stage 20 (Time Trial to Rocamadour) – Another masterclass against the clock.
In 2022, Van Aert also won the Green Jersey (Points Classification), solidifying his status as the most versatile rider in the race.
Total Tour de France Stage Wins (As of 2024): 9
Van Aert’s stage wins have come in every terrain type, making him one of the most feared and respected riders in the modern peloton. Whether chasing solo victories or helping his team leader secure yellow, Van Aert plays a central role in Tour de France drama.
National Pride and Belgian Legacy
In Belgium, Wout Van Aert is a national hero. Following in the footsteps of cycling greats like Eddy Merckx and Tom Boonen, Van Aert has become a modern icon.
He has also rekindled one of cycling’s greatest rivalries—Van Aert vs. Mathieu van der Poel. Their battles across cyclo-cross, cobbled classics, and Grand Tours have fueled one of the most exciting eras in pro cycling.
Career Highlights at a Glance
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Tour de France Stage Wins | 9 (as of 2024) |
| Cyclo-cross World Championships | 3 Titles (2016, 2017, 2018) |
| Milan-San Remo Winner | 2020 |
| Belgian National Champion | Multiple times across disciplines |
| Points Classification (Tour) | Green Jersey – 2022 |
| Time Trial National Champion | 2021, 2023 |
| Olympic Games | Silver Medal (Tokyo 2020 – Road Race) |
Personal Life and Interests
Outside of cycling, Van Aert is a family man. He is married to Sarah De Bie, and the couple welcomed their son, Georges, in 2021. Despite a packed racing calendar, Van Aert frequently shares moments from his personal life, showcasing his passion for family, nature, and Belgian culture.
He’s also a big fan of motorsports, which aligns well with his Red Bull affiliation. When not training or racing, he enjoys spending time in the outdoors, often hiking or exploring the Belgian countryside.
What’s Next for Wout Van Aert?
With the 2025 cycling season underway, Wout Van Aert continues to aim for monumental goals:
- A Monument win at Paris-Roubaix
- Another Tour de France Green Jersey
- Potential Olympic gold in Paris 2024 rescheduled events
- Continued dominance in Classics and Time Trials
With his versatility, fierce determination, and ever-growing legacy, Van Aert remains one of the most exciting figures in world cycling.
Conclusion: Wout Van Aert – The Complete Cyclist
Whether it’s bouncing back from a knee injury, standing out in the peloton with his Red Bull helmet, or dominating stages at the Tour de France, Wout Van Aert continues to redefine what it means to be a modern-day cyclist.
Tall, talented, and fearless, Van Aert is not just a Belgian hero but a global icon of the sport. With many years ahead in his career, cycling fans can look forward to more thrilling victories and unforgettable performances.
