Emotional: Wout van Aert Opens Up About His Parents and His “Busy” Excuse
Wout van Aert, the Belgian cycling superstar, has been at the pinnacle of professional cycling for years. Known for his impressive versatility, which sees him compete at the highest level across road races, cyclocross, and even time trials, van Aert’s dedication to his craft is unquestionable. But behind the athlete, there’s a person with deep emotional ties to his family, particularly his parents, whom he recently spoke about in a heartfelt interview.
Van Aert, who has achieved remarkable success with his team Jumbo-Visma, has often found himself caught in the whirlwind of his demanding career. The 2024 season alone saw him dominating numerous races, including classics and world championships, while navigating a busy schedule that leaves little room for personal downtime. It’s this very schedule, he admits, that has led to him unintentionally growing distant from the people closest to him—his parents.
In an emotional moment during a recent interview, van Aert reflected on how his career has affected his relationship with his mother and father, both of whom have always been his biggest supporters. “They have always been there for me,” van Aert began, his voice tinged with both pride and regret. “Every race, every setback, every achievement—they’ve been part of it in their own way. But at the same time, they’ve had to deal with me constantly saying I’m ‘too busy’ when they call.”
The Constant “I’m Busy” Excuse
Van Aert, who has been juggling the demands of professional cycling with the pressures of media, travel, and constant training, explained that he often tells his parents that he’s “too busy” to talk when they reach out. “I’ve gotten into the habit of saying, ‘I’m busy, I can’t talk now.’ And it’s not because I don’t want to speak with them—it’s just that the schedule is so tight, and I don’t always have the energy left to have long conversations,” he confessed, looking visibly emotional. “It’s become a reflex, almost. But I know it hurts them, and I feel guilty for it.”
Despite his success on the bike, van Aert’s family has always been a grounding force for him. His parents, who have been there from the very beginning of his career, are proud of what he has achieved but have never asked for the limelight. Instead, they’ve offered unwavering support, even if it means being relegated to a second-place status in his long list of commitments.
“Their support is everything to me,” van Aert continued. “When I started racing, it was them who took me to all the local events. They drove me across Belgium for small races, sometimes in the rain or snow. I remember all of it—the long drives, the early mornings. They made countless sacrifices, and all I’ve ever wanted is to make them proud. But the reality of my career is that I’m always on the move, always pushing forward, and it’s easy to take them for granted.”
Regret and Realization
This revelation about his relationship with his parents comes after a period of reflection for van Aert. He admits that, in recent months, he has realized just how much he has distanced himself from the people who played such a vital role in his success. “I can’t take back the times I didn’t pick up the phone or when I said I was too busy to talk. But I’ve been thinking about how much they must miss me, how much they must feel disconnected from my life, even though they’re the reason I am where I am today.”
It’s clear that van Aert struggles with the balance between his career and personal life. As a professional athlete, the pressures to perform, to train, and to constantly focus on the next race are overwhelming. But in his candid moments, van Aert acknowledged that the emotional toll of this lifestyle is sometimes more difficult to handle than any physical challenge he faces on the bike.
“There are days when I’m exhausted, and it’s easier to say that I’m busy rather than to sit down and have a real conversation. I hate that about myself, but I also know I’m not the only one who feels like this,” van Aert said, pausing as he reflected on his actions. “I’ve missed a lot of family moments, and I hope they know it’s never because I don’t care. It’s just that I’m caught up in this world, and I forget to step back sometimes and appreciate the people who have been there for me from the start.”
A Promise for the Future
However, the realization has sparked a desire for change within the Belgian cyclist. In his emotional reflection, van Aert made a promise to himself and to his parents: “I want to do better. I want to call them more often. I want to take the time to ask how they’re doing, to hear their voices, and to let them know how much they mean to me. I can’t change the past, but I can make sure I don’t make the same mistake going forward.”
Despite the inherent nature of his demanding job, van Aert’s emotional honesty has brought him closer to his own sense of balance. He recognizes the importance of family and is committed to finding time, no matter how busy life gets, to nurture those vital relationships. “I owe them so much,” he said softly, “and I need to show them that, not just with words, but with actions.”
Wout van Aert’s vulnerability and openness in this interview have touched many fans and followers who can relate to the struggle of balancing career ambitions with personal connections. For van Aert, it’s a reminder that even the most successful athletes are human, and the love and support of family are the true foundation of his achievements.
In a world where professional athletes are often seen as invincible, Wout van Aert’s candid admission of his emotional struggles serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of staying connected to the people who matter most—no matter how busy life becomes.