Belgian Wout van Aert has extended his contract with Team Jumbo-Visma through 2026 following an impressively successful 2022 season in which the 28-year-old rider won three stages at the Tour de France and the points classification, while helping teammate Jonas Vingegaard become Tour de France champion.

Van Aert also took the victory in the points classification of this year’s Criterium du Dauphine after winning two individual stages. Additionally, van Aert won the points classification of Paris-Nice, finished second in Paris-Roubaix and third in Liege-Bastogne-Liege 2022.

Not only a remarkable sprinter, time trial and breakaway fast man, van Aert is considered a potential future challenger for overall classifications in Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, and Vuelta a Espana given his noteworthy climbing skills. He is, therefore, of great value to his Jumbo-Visma team.

Commenting on his contract extension, van Aert told Roadcycling.com

"I feel very good with this team. We have already shown that I can perform at my best here. That is also thanks to the facilities I get with the team. It surprised me the team wanted to negotiate my contract again, but it's a nice recognition and we quickly agreed the terms.”

Van Aert said he does not fear staying with the same team for eight seasons (2019-2026) will be a drawback for him or cause him to miss out on important learning opportunities as part of other teams.

“I don't think a longer partnership poses any risks because we've been able to get better for the past four years. One of the team's slogans is Better Every Day, which is not coming out of thin air. We keep improving in performance, the team's facilities, everything. Because of this, I'm confident I won't have to worry about being on this squad for the next four years. We constantly strive for the best, which made the decision simple. I give the team that assurance, and it gives me the peace of mind I need to succeed in the upcoming years."

Despite having already accomplished so much as a pro cyclist, van Aert still possesses a lust for additional successes and a passion for improving further as a rider. 

"I am always looking for new challenges and still have plenty to accomplish. I occasionally hear the criticism that the team gives me too few opportunities. But I think the opposite is the case. I've already been given many more possibilities than I would have otherwise due to the growth I've been able to experience with this team. I might be the sole leader in a grand tour in another team, but I would not have had the same legs", Van Aert explains. "I have the best teammates at Jumbo-Visma, and I am as well-prepared as possible. I have already taken a lot of pleasure from my own and the team's successes and it is amazing for me to be part of them. I'm happy to have found my home here."

The next opportunity for Wout van Aert to shine will be at the 2022 UCI road cycling world championships road race in Australia on September 25 – a 267-kilometer race from Helensburgh to Wollongong.