In a stunning display of power and resilience, Wout van Aert made history on April 7, 2024, by securing his first-ever victory in the iconic Paris-Roubaix, one of cycling’s most prestigious and challenging one-day races. The Belgian powerhouse, known for his versatility and ability to excel in both road racing and cyclocross, added another monumental achievement to his career, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite.
The 2024 Paris-Roubaix, often dubbed the “Hell of the North,” is notorious for its brutal cobbled sections, treacherous weather conditions, and relentless demands on riders. Over the course of 256 kilometers, riders battle through 29 cobbled sectors, which have historically tested the toughest cyclists. The race is often unpredictable, with crashes, mechanical failures, and strategic gambles playing a large role in the outcome. However, van Aert’s combination of tactical brilliance, raw power, and tenacity saw him emerge as the rider to beat.
Van Aert’s Jumbo-Visma team entered the race with high expectations, and the Belgian champion did not disappoint. Throughout the race, he was consistently positioned at the front, covering key attacks and maintaining a strong presence in all the decisive moments. The race’s final 50 kilometers were particularly grueling, with several key riders being dropped, but van Aert stayed calm under pressure. As the remaining contenders approached the final cobbled sector, he made his move, launching a decisive attack that left his rivals in his wake.
In the closing kilometers, van Aert demonstrated his exceptional finishing ability, maintaining his pace and holding off late attacks from French riders Florian Vermeersch and Stefan Küng, who both fought valiantly but ultimately couldn’t match van Aert’s explosive power. As he crossed the finish line in Roubaix’s iconic velodrome, van Aert raised his arms in triumph, signaling not only his personal achievement but also the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance.
For van Aert, the victory marked a career milestone. Despite numerous podium finishes in the past, including second place in Paris-Roubaix in 2021, this was his first win in the “Queen of the Classics.” The result confirmed his status as one of the most complete riders of his generation, capable of conquering a range of disciplines, from the cobbles of Roubaix to the climbs of the Tour de France.
With this historic victory, Wout van Aert has further etched his name into the annals of cycling history, inspiring the next generation of Belgian riders and reaffirming his legacy as one of the sport’s true champions.