“I Wouldn’t Trade Places with Him” – Tiesj Benoot Shares Insight into the Demands of Wout van Aert’s Fame and Popularity

In the world of Belgian sport, few athletes shine brighter than Wout van Aert. The versatile cyclist has been a household name in Belgium for nearly a decade, known for his prowess across multiple disciplines of cycling, from road racing to cyclocross. As one of the country’s most celebrated sports figures, Van Aert’s fame has only grown over the years, cementing him as a central figure in the sport. However, his widespread popularity comes with its own set of challenges, as revealed by his Team Visma | Lease a Bike teammate, Tiesj Benoot.

Benoot, who shares the road with Van Aert, offered insight into the less glamorous side of the Belgian’s celebrity status, explaining the pressures that come with such recognition. In a recent conversation on the Stamcafé Koers podcast, Benoot shared how Van Aert’s fame extends far beyond the world of cycling, impacting even the most mundane aspects of his daily life.

Seeking Refuge Abroad

To cope with the relentless attention, Van Aert has sought to escape the intense spotlight by spending more time in training camps abroad. The hope was that these retreats would offer him a break from the constant pressure of being in the public eye. However, Benoot revealed that even these attempts for some peace were not without complications.

He humorously pointed out, “Tenerife is also full of Belgians, haha. He transcends cycling in that respect.” It seems that even in far-off training locations, Van Aert’s fame follows him, and the sense of privacy he hoped for remains elusive. Despite this, Benoot praised how his teammate handles the attention, noting that Van Aert is always friendly and approachable. However, there is one boundary he has set for himself: “Only during dinner he doesn’t want to be disturbed, and he also says that he’s not doing something.”

The Challenges of Daily Life

Benoot continued to explain the difficulties of simply going about everyday activities when you’re a national icon. “Not disturbing during meals is also the minimum respect you can expect from people,” he said, highlighting how even the simplest moments require a level of understanding from others. When the pair goes out for coffee, they are careful to choose the quietest places, seeking some respite from the inevitable attention.

The most striking point Benoot made was regarding Van Aert’s reluctance to go out in public in Belgium. “I don’t think he goes to the store in Belgium either,” Benoot said. “You can do it, but you know that you’ll lose an extra hour.” For Van Aert, even the most mundane tasks are often complicated by the fact that every interaction is marked by the public’s desire for his attention. This “sad reality” is something Benoot acknowledges, and he openly admits that he wouldn’t want to trade places with his teammate for this reason.

A Reality of Fame

Benoot’s reflections on Van Aert’s life offer a candid glimpse into the challenges that come with being one of the most famous athletes in Belgium. While being recognized for your achievements is undoubtedly a sign of success, it also brings with it a constant pressure that can be difficult to manage. Despite the difficulties, Van Aert has shown incredible grace in handling the attention, maintaining his professionalism and keeping a positive attitude.

Ultimately, while Van Aert continues to thrive on the cycling circuit, Tiesj Benoot’s comments shed light on the human side of fame—the toll it can take on someone who simply wants to live their life. It’s a reminder that for all the glory and accolades, the life of a sporting icon often comes with sacrifices, and not everything about fame is as glamorous as it might seem.