BREAKING: Time Trial Star Wout van Aert Signs $13.5 Million Netflix Deal for 7-Episode Series Chronicling His Time Trial Journey
By Staff Writer
In a landmark crossover between elite cycling and global streaming, Belgian cycling sensation Wout van Aert has signed a $13.5 million deal with Netflix to produce a 7-episode docuseries chronicling his dramatic and relentless rise in time trial racing.
The series, tentatively titled “Against the Clock: The Wout van Aert Story,” will spotlight one of the most versatile and admired cyclists of his generation — tracing his path from Belgian cyclo-cross prodigy to world-renowned road racer and time trial powerhouse.
Netflix confirmed the deal on Tuesday morning, calling the project “an immersive journey into the pain, power, and precision of time trial racing — and the mind of a man who refuses to be boxed into one label.”
The Rise of a Relentless Rider
Wout van Aert is no ordinary cyclist. A three-time cyclo-cross world champion, Monument winner, and Tour de France stage victor, van Aert has defied all expectations by excelling across cycling disciplines: sprints, mountains, classics — and perhaps most impressively, time trials.
Known for his impeccable aerodynamic positioning, mental toughness, and sheer wattage on the bike, van Aert has emerged as one of the sport’s premier time trialists — with victories in some of the most prestigious races, including stages of the Tour de France and World Championship podiums.
But the Netflix series won’t just recount race results. Instead, it promises to give fans an inside look at the solitude, science, and suffering that define a discipline where a fraction of a second can mean glory or heartbreak.
“The time trial is the most honest form of racing,” van Aert said in the Netflix release. “No teammates, no tactics. Just you, your bike, and the clock. I’m excited to show people what it takes — physically and mentally — to push every boundary for those crucial minutes.”
Inside the Series: Speed, Sacrifice & Solitude
“Against the Clock” will span seven tightly focused episodes, each delving into a defining chapter of Wout van Aert’s time trial journey. From early trial-and-error efforts to becoming a world-class specialist, the series will mix race-day drama with intimate personal moments.
Episode Titles (Tentative):
- “The First Test” – A young Wout discovers the purity of the time trial
- “Pain is a Teacher” – Training, injury, and the long road back to form
- “Position is Everything” – Exploring tech, wind tunnels, and marginal gains
- “The Rainbow Chase” – Pursuit of a world title and heartbreak on the global stage
- “Winning Solo” – Tour de France triumphs and the burden of expectations
- “Belgian Blood, Global Stage” – National pressure and worldwide fame
- “Time Never Stops” – Legacy, family, and what comes next
Produced by Box to Box Films, the creators behind Drive to Survive and Tour de France: Unchained, the series will combine cutting-edge visual storytelling with high-intensity race footage and never-before-seen access to van Aert’s training routines, coaches, and even medical staff.
A Look Inside the Mind of a Machine
One of the most compelling elements of the series will be its exploration of van Aert’s psychology. A famously intense competitor, Wout has often spoken about his relationship with pressure, pain, and self-expectation — especially after high-profile second-place finishes and team sacrifices that robbed him of individual glory.
“This is not just a show about winning,” said director Jasper Maes. “It’s about obsession. About pushing limits. About knowing your body so well that every heartbeat, every breath, every gear shift matters.”
Teammates from Team Visma | Lease a Bike, including Jonas Vingegaard and Primož Roglič, are expected to appear in the series, offering insight into Wout’s dual role as teammate and team leader — a man equally capable of destroying a peloton or sacrificing for a friend.
The Reaction: Excitement in the Peloton and Beyond
The cycling community has met the news with overwhelming excitement. Fans on social media are hailing the series as a “massive win for the sport,” noting that van Aert’s combination of raw power, humility, and media charisma make him the perfect subject.
- “Wout is the most complete rider in the world. This series is going to be iconic.”
- “Netflix + van Aert = cycling’s next mainstream leap.”
- “Can’t wait to see the wind tunnel scenes and TT day breakdowns. Nerd heaven.”
Former Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas tweeted:
“Wout’s a beast. But people don’t see the hours in the tunnel, on the trainer, the recovery work. This will open a lot of eyes.”
Belgium’s Prime Minister even chimed in, calling van Aert “a national treasure, now ready to show the world what true grit looks like.”
Scheduled for 2026 Premiere
The series is slated for a spring 2026 release, lining up with the start of cycling season and ideally coinciding with Wout van Aert’s potential return to top-level competition following recent injuries and family-focused time away from the sport.
Filming will take place across Belgium, France, Spain, and the Swiss Alps, offering cinematic backdrops for van Aert’s intense training and racing calendar.
Final Thoughts: A Man, A Machine, A Moment
Wout van Aert is more than just a cyclist. He’s a symbol of modern endurance, where data, discipline, and daring all collide. He rides with elegance, but he races with fire. And now, thanks to Netflix, fans will get an unprecedented look at what it truly takes to become a time trial legend.
With the countdown ticking and the start ramp looming, “Against the Clock” isn’t just about racing. It’s about sacrifice, self-mastery, and the endless pursuit of perfection — one revolution at a time.
In the world of seconds, Wout van Aert has carved out a legacy. And soon, the world will see how.
