Wout van Aert has finally conquered cycling’s most brutal Monument. On April 12, 2026, the Belgian superstar won Paris-Roubaix in a thrilling two-up sprint against Tadej Pogačar. Therefore, after years of near-misses and heartbreak, the 31-year-old secured his second career Monument victory and silenced his critics once and for all .
From a broken ankle in January to the cobbled throne of the Roubaix Velodrome, his comeback has been nothing short of remarkable. As a result, the cycling world has been reminded that Wout van Aert is one of the most complete riders of his generation .
The 2026 Paris-Roubaix Victory
The 2026 edition of Paris-Roubaix was billed as a showdown between two titans. World champion Tadej Pogačar arrived chasing history. He aimed to become the first rider ever to hold all five Monument titles simultaneously. Van Aert, returning from injury, was the determined underdog .
The decisive move came on sector 12. Van Aert surged clear with Pogačar, and the pair quickly established an unassailable gap. Neither rider could shake the other. The race came down to a tense two-man sprint on the legendary Roubaix Velodrome .
Van Aert proved stronger in the final dash. He crossed the line in 5 hours, 16 minutes and 52 seconds. Pogačar finished second, with Jasper Stuyven taking third at 13 seconds. Mathieu van der Poel finished fourth .
It was Van Aert’s second Monument victory, following his Milan-Sanremo win in 2020. The win also marked an emotional moment for the Visma-Lease a Bike team. It came eight years after their teammate Michael Goolaerts died at the same race .
From Broken Ankle to Cobbled Glory
Van Aert’s 2026 season did not start smoothly. In January, he crashed heavily during the snowy Zilvermeercross in Mol. He was duelling with Mathieu van der Poel when he hit the deck on a slippery curve .
Tests revealed an ankle fracture. He underwent successful surgery the following day. Sports doctors were optimistic, suggesting he could be back on the bike within weeks .
True to form, he returned to racing two months later. He finished 10th at Strade Bianche, raced Tirreno-Adriatico, and then attacked for third at Milan-Sanremo. Doubters questioned whether he would be in winning shape for the cobbled Classics .
He answered emphatically. At Dwars door Vlaanderen and the Tour of Flanders, he showed signs of his best form. By the time Paris-Roubaix arrived, the Belgian was ready .
The Prize Money King of Spring
Van Aert’s Paris-Roubaix victory came with a significant financial reward. The winner’s cheque was €30,000 (£25,700), the largest single payout of the spring Classics .
His total spring earnings reached €45,900. This placed him third in the prize money rankings behind Tadej Pogačar (€99,000) and Mathieu van der Poel (€72,500). However, the prestige of winning the “Hell of the North” is priceless .
Like Skye Newman found success in music, Van Aert found the ultimate validation on the cobbles of northern France.
The ‘Where Is My Wife?’ Moment
After crossing the finish line, Van Aert was utterly exhausted. He collapsed beside the track, a mix of joy and disbelief washing over him. However, one thing was missing: his wife, Sarah De Bie .
As officials led him toward the interview tent, panic set in. “Where is my wife?” he shouted, captured on live television. He later admitted he feared something had happened to her or their children .
He later laughed about the moment. “Verschrikkelijk,” he told reporters, which translates to “terrible.” He worried that internet memes would be made of his desperate search for his wife. Thankfully, Sarah soon appeared, and they shared a tearful embrace before flying to Marbella for a celebratory holiday .
Wout van Aert Net Worth and Salary
Wout van Aert net worth is estimated at approximately $7-8 million annually from his Visma-Lease a Bike contract [citation:8]. His annual salary is reported at just under $8 million (£6.6 million) [citation:8].
His total career earnings, including bonuses and endorsements, likely exceed $30 million. Paris-Roubaix win triggered significant performance bonuses as well .
Wout van Aert Wife: Sarah De Bie
Van Aert has been with his wife Sarah De Bie since childhood. They married in 2018. She is a former basketball player, entrepreneur and author .
She has written two children’s books: Niets dan liefde (Nothing But Love) in 2023 and Waarom word ik grote broer? (Why am I becoming a big brother?) in 2024 .
In March 2026, she announced a new collaboration with Het Land van Ooit, a Belgian children’s store. She will serve as an ambassador for their family-focused initiatives. She also manages several family business ventures, including their clothing brand Panache and real estate operations .
The couple has two sons, Georges and Jérôme. Sarah’s social media provides glimpses into their family life, balancing motherhood with supporting her husband’s demanding career .
Wout van Aert Rivalry with Mathieu van der Poel
Van Aert’s rivalry with Dutch superstar Mathieu van der Poel is legendary. It is considered among the greatest and longest-lasting rivalries in cycling history .
The rivalry began in cyclo-cross, where Van Aert won three consecutive world championships (2016-2018). Van der Poel has since dominated the cross scene, but on the road, the battles continue .
At the 2026 Paris-Roubaix, van der Poel finished fourth, leading the chase group home. The two will likely contest many more Classics in the coming years .
Career Achievements and Statistics
Van Aert has amassed over 50 professional road victories since turning professional [citation:1]. His palmarès includes:
- 10 Tour de France stage victories (2019-2025)
- Points classification winner, Tour de France (2022)
- Milan-Sanremo winner (2020)
- Paris-Roubaix winner (2026)
- Strade Bianche winner (2020)
- Amstel Gold Race winner (2021)
- Three-time UCI Cyclo-cross World Champion (2016, 2017, 2018)
He has also finished second or third in Monuments on seven occasions. Despite his success, bad luck has often robbed him of even greater achievements .
What’s Next for Wout van Aert?
After his Paris-Roubaix victory, Van Aert and his family flew to Marbella for a well-deserved holiday. He described it as “the best holiday of my life” [citation:4].
He will now focus on the summer season, including the Tour de France. Depending on his team’s strategy, he may target stage wins or support their general classification ambitions .
At 31, Van Aert remains at the peak of his powers. With a Monument victory secured, he will look to add more prestigious wins to his already impressive career tally .
FAQs
How old is Wout van Aert?
He was born on September 15, 1994, and is 31 years old as of 2026 .
What is Wout van Aert net worth?
His net worth is not publicly disclosed, but his annual salary is estimated at approximately $7-8 million from his Visma-Lease a Bike contract .
Who is Wout van Aert’s wife?
He is married to Sarah De Bie, a former basketball player, author and entrepreneur. They have two sons named Georges and Jérôme .
Did Wout van Aert win Paris-Roubaix?
Yes, he won Paris-Roubaix on April 12, 2026, outsprinting Tadej Pogačar in a two-up sprint .
How many Tour de France stages has Van Aert won?
He has won ten Tour de France stages between 2019 and 2025, including the points classification in 2022 .
What injury did Van Aert have in 2026?
He broke his ankle in a cyclo-cross crash in January 2026 but recovered in time for the spring Classics .
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