BREAKING NEW: Wout van Aert says goodbye to coach – ‘It might not hurt to step out of my comfort zone’.see more details.
Here’s the full story behind Wout van Aert’s decision to part ways with his long-time coach—with thoughtful reflections and future ambitions:
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🔵 A heartfelt goodbye after 12 years
Wout van Aert, one of cycling’s most versatile and accomplished competitors, recently announced that he’ll be bringing his apprenticeship with Marc Lamberts to a close. Lamberts, 61, has been at van Aert’s side since he was 17—guiding him through every stage, from his cyclo‑cross beginnings to his rise on the pro road circuit .
At Coppa Bernocchi in October 2023, an emotional van Aert dedicated his victory to Lamberts upon hearing the news that his coach would be joining Bora‑Hansgrohe. “Marc is very deep in my heart,” van Aert said, expressing regret but also support for Lamberts’ new opportunity . Lamberts, for his part, admitted he “had planned not to cry, but I failed” during his farewell visit—showing just how close their bond has been .
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⭐ What this change means for van Aert
A career-first coaching change: This marks the first time in van Aert’s professional journey that he’ll work with someone else .
A quest beyond comfort zones: Van Aert acknowledged that this shift might be beneficial—“It might not hurt to step out of my comfort zone” . He’s determined to grow and sharpen his performance even further, underscoring his belief that resting on past success leads to stagnation .
Still focused on excellence: Despite the change, van Aert emphasized that he knows what needs to be done in the offseason—training details, volume and structure—and that those core fundamentals will remain, whether under Lamberts or someone new .
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How Lamberts shaped a champion
Throughout their partnership, Lamberts guided van Aert to wins across cyclo‑cross and road disciplines. He helped transform a promising junior into one of the most complete cyclists worldwide . Lamberts also left Jumbo‑Visma on a high—proud of the transformation and growth of the team during his tenure .
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Looking ahead: What’s next?
Who will replace Lamberts? Van Aert confirmed that discussions are ongoing, but there is no clear successor yet .
What’s the goal? The focus in 2024 will remain on peak performance—especially in marquee events like the Tour de France and Spring Classics. The newfound impetus from a coaching change could be a strategic advantage.
A new chapter begins: Van Aert frames this not as an accidental split, but as a positive “new start”—a chance to push boundaries and maintain his status at the top .
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📝 Final thoughts
Wout van Aert’s farewell to coach Marc Lamberts symbolizes both an end and a beginning. Van Aert clearly values their extraordinary relationship—marked by mutual respect, success, and deep emotional bonds—but also sees this change as an essential step for continued growth. By embracing new training methods and perspectives, he aims to remain at the forefront of the sport in one of its most physically and mentally demanding eras.
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