'We're not superstitious, but we think our Michael rode along with Wout'
Late Belgian rider's father says 'Tears streamed down my cheeks' when he heard Visma-Lease a Bike rider's first interview
www.cyclingnews.comHere’s what I can share right now about Michael Goolaerts and Wout van Aert, based on recent coverage.
- Wout van Aert’s Paris-Roubaix victory in 2026 was widely framed as a tribute to his late Veranda’s Willems-Cre lan teammate Michael Goolaerts, who passed away during the 2018 edition. Van Aert dedicated the win to Goolaerts and his family, a moment echoed by Goolaerts’ relatives and team members in multiple outlets.[3][5][6]
- The 2026 race was notable for Van Aert’s reflection on the emotional context and the sense that Goolaerts seemed to “ride along” with him during the cobbled section, a sentiment reported by several outlets following the finish.[2][9][3]
- In the days after the race, media pieces highlighted the family’s reaction, with statements from Goolaerts’ parents expressing how meaningful Van Aert’s gesture and victory were to them and to Michael’s memory.[6][7][3]
- Additional coverage noted that Van Aert had publicly honored Goolaerts in the past with similar tributes and flowers, reinforcing the long-standing bond and shared history between the two riders.[5][9]
Illustration of context:
- The emotional arc centers on Van Aert fulfilling a personal vow to win Roubaix in honor of Goolaerts, transforming a sporting achievement into a tribute for a friend and former teammate.[9][5]
If you’d like, I can compile a concise timeline of the key statements from Van Aert and the Goolaerts family across the sources above, with direct quotes and dates. I can also search for more up-to-date statements or a broader set of reactions from teams and media outlets.