PRESS CONFERENCE | Wout van Aert Has No Green Jersey Plans and Confirms High Stage Win Ambitions: “That’s What I Want to Focus On”
By Cycling Gazette | July 6, 2025
In a candid and focused press conference ahead of a crucial mountain stage of the 2025 Tour de France, Belgian star Wout van Aert made it clear that the coveted green jersey is not on his radar this year. The versatile Team Visma–Lease a Bike rider instead confirmed his priority lies with individual stage wins, not the points classification.
Speaking to reporters in the team bus zone before Stage 9, van Aert was direct:
“I’ve made a conscious decision not to focus on the green jersey this year. That’s not my ambition. Stage wins — especially in the more difficult terrain — that’s what I want to focus on.”
A Shift in Strategy
The announcement marks a notable shift in strategy for van Aert, who won the green jersey back in 2022 with a commanding points lead and consistent all-around performances. However, this season, after discussions with team management and a personal reassessment of his goals, van Aert decided to forego chasing the points classification to better support the team’s general classification ambitions and his own pursuit of high-profile stage victories.
“It’s always tempting to go for the green jersey, especially after winning it. But it requires consistency in sprint stages, intermediate sprints, and a lot of energy. Right now, I’d rather channel that effort into selective opportunities.”
Targeting the Mountains
Van Aert hinted that his main targets include mid-mountain and transitional stages, where his power, descending skills, and endurance give him a clear edge over pure climbers and sprinters alike.
“There are a few stages in the second week that suit me perfectly. Punchy climbs, some technical finishes — that’s where I think I can make the difference,” he said.
While he didn’t name specific stages, many analysts believe Stage 12 from Aurillac to Rodez and Stage 15 into Lyon are ideal scenarios for van Aert to unleash his explosive talent.
Team Dynamics and Support for Vingegaard
Van Aert also emphasized his ongoing commitment to Team Visma’s Tour de France leader, Jonas Vingegaard, who is currently second overall and locked in a tight battle with UAE Team Emirates’ Tadej Pogačar.
“Jonas is in great shape, and part of my role is to support him wherever I can. Whether it’s pacing on climbs, chasing breaks, or controlling the peloton, I’m ready to help. But I also have some freedom this year — and that’s something I want to make the most of.”
Sporting director Grischa Niermann echoed van Aert’s remarks in a separate briefing, saying the team is “fully aligned” with Wout’s decision and supports his desire to target selected stage wins.
“The green jersey was never the plan for us this year. We’ve built a team around Jonas, and Wout has the flexibility to go for his own goals when the timing is right. That’s a win-win scenario for us.”
The Legacy Factor
At 30, van Aert remains one of the most respected and admired riders in the professional peloton. With victories across classics, time trials, sprints, and mountain stages, his versatility is unmatched. However, his hunger for more individual Tour de France stage wins is palpable.
“It’s about leaving a mark,” he said with a smile. “Every win at the Tour is special. The fans, the noise, the history — I want to add to that, not just ride consistently. I want to win.”
Van Aert has already secured nine stage victories in the Tour de France across various profiles. A tenth would put him in elite company, further solidifying his place among the all-time greats.
Fan Reactions and Broader Implications
Fan reaction to van Aert’s announcement has been mixed. While many understand his decision to target stage wins over the green jersey, others hoped to see a renewed rivalry with perennial sprint contenders like Jasper Philipsen and Mads Pedersen.
Cycling analyst José Been noted on Dutch television,
“Wout is perhaps the most complete rider in the world, but chasing green limits his aggression. This year, I think we’ll see a more liberated and dangerous Wout van Aert.”
Meanwhile, rivals like Philipsen expressed mild relief.
“Wout not targeting green? That opens things up,” said the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider, who is the current points leader. “But you can never count him out — he’s always there in key moments.”
Final Words
As the Tour heads into its most punishing stretch, van Aert’s declaration sets the tone for what fans can expect: fireworks. Whether it’s attacking from distance, bridging late breaks, or outgunning GC hopefuls in reduced bunch sprints, van Aert is poised to thrill — on his own terms.
“I feel good, I’m motivated, and the legs are there,” he concluded. “Now it’s about making it count.”
If recent performances are any indication, Wout van Aert’s decision to forgo the green jersey in favor of stage glory may just light up the 2025 Tour de France in ways we didn’t see coming.
