Alex MacQuoid
Wout van Aert silenced critics and made history on stage 9 of the Giro d’Italia 2025, conquering the iconic white gravel roads of Tuscany to claim a victory steeped in emotion and strategy. “It had to be here, this is where my road career started in 2018,” he reflected post-race, standing triumphantly in Piazza del Campo, Siena. His comeback wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a masterclass in grit and guile.
Redemption After a Year of Setbacks
Van Aert’s journey from his last win at the 2024 Vuelta a España—cut short by a knee-crushing crash—to this pivotal moment took eight months and 21 days. While pundits debated his form and fans questioned his future, Van Aert toiled quietly, away from the noise. His season unraveled early in Dwars door Vlaanderen with a crash that derailed his Classics campaign, casting doubts over his Grand Tour prospects.
But cycling is decided on the road, not on social feeds. And today, the road chose Van Aert.
At 30, Van Aert isn’t just a powerhouse—he’s a tactician. To outwit Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) on the final rise into Siena, Van Aert relied on experience, not brute force. While Del Toro surged on the gravel climbs, others like Egan Bernal and Mathias Vacek faltered. Van Aert clung to the wheel of the young Mexican, biding his time.
The finale was vintage cyclocross—Van Aert muscled into the best line, edged ahead, and crossed the line first. It wasn’t just a win; it was a lesson in racecraft.
Behind the scenes, this was also a victory for Team Visma-Lease a Bike. With Simon Yates positioned safely in the second group, Van Aert could afford to play mind games with Del Toro. By refusing to work with his rival, he protected Yates’ GC interests while conserving energy for his final surge.
It was a day when everything clicked—from tactical decisions to raw courage. And it paid off across the board.
The Final Piece of the Puzzle
With today’s victory, Van Aert completes a rare treble: stage wins in all three Grand Tours—the Tour de France, Vuelta a España, and now the Giro d’Italia. His total stands at 13 Grand Tour stage wins. This may be the first time he wasn’t the strongest on the road, but it might be the most meaningful win of all.
Whether or not he adds to his lone Monument or clinches a World Championship, Van Aert proved one thing today: he still belongs at the top. And when he wins—cycling wins.
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