In an astonishing confession after his defeat in the World Championship, Belgian cycling star Wout van Aert admitted that his aggressive racing style from the very beginning was the primary reason behind his failure to secure victory. However, he didn’t stop there; the 28-year-old also took aim at his teammate, Remco Evenepoel, criticizing him in a candid 11-word statement that many are still debating.

Van Aert, who had been one of the top favorites to win the event, described how his aggressive early pace had set the tone for the race, ultimately leading to his downfall. “I wanted to take control early on, but that backfired,” he admitted. His early acceleration, aimed at breaking the pack, proved too taxing and left him vulnerable when Julian Alaphilippe launched his decisive attacks on the steep climbs of Leuven.

As the race unfolded, van Aert struggled to keep up with the punishing pace set by the likes of Alaphilippe, who surged ahead with explosive force. This was the moment that Van Aert realized his earlier strategy had been flawed. Yet, the Belgian champion did not solely blame his own overzealous start for his loss. Instead, he pointed a finger at Evenepoel, his teammate, with an unexpectedly harsh critique.

Van Aert revealed that Evenepoel’s 11 words during the race severely impacted his ability to react when the decisive moves were made by Alaphilippe. “I couldn’t react when Alaphilippe went. Remco’s words to me were damaging,” said van Aert. While he didn’t elaborate on the specific phrase, it was clear that the tension between the two Belgian stars had affected the race’s outcome. Evenepoel, who had been expected to assist van Aert during key moments, seemed to falter when it mattered most, leaving his teammate in a precarious position.

The criticism has sparked a flurry of reactions within the cycling community. Fans and analysts alike are questioning the dynamics within the Belgian national team and the apparent lack of cohesion among some of its leading riders. The comment has added fuel to the ongoing debate about the team’s strategy and whether Van Aert and Evenepoel are truly able to work together effectively in the high-stakes environment of world-class cycling.

The 2025 World Championship was supposed to be a crowning moment for the Belgian team, but with van Aert’s admission and Evenepoel’s controversial role, it has become a topic of intense scrutiny. While van Aert continues to maintain that his aggressive racing style contributed significantly to his loss, it is clear that his relationship with Evenepoel will remain under the microscope in the coming months.

As the cycling world watches closely, the question remains: can Van Aert and Evenepoel put their differences aside for future races, or will their rivalry continue to affect Belgium’s chances on the international stage?

For now, fans and experts alike are left wondering if this World Championship was simply a case of bad timing, or if deeper issues between two of Belgium’s finest cyclists will continue to hinder their collective success. The coming months will surely provide more answers as they prepare for the next season’s challenges.