Wout van Aert is one of the most charismatic cyclists in the professional peloton. His performances attract thousands of fans all over the world. However, in a recent interview with Knack magazine, one of his friends, Andreas Buts, revealed an unusual aspect of Van Aert’s generous character.
Wout Van Aert and the habit of special gifts
Andreas Buts shared several stories about how Van Aert gives unusual gifts to his friends. For example, after the E3 Saxo Bank awards ceremony, a race he won, the Belgian presented everyone with a large bottle of Kwaremont beer, a gesture that, although it may seem small, is greatly appreciated by his friends. “We had to drink it quickly, otherwise we would have other people wanting to have it,” laughs Buts.
Van Aert’s Memorial Gift
However, Van Aert’s most memorable gift wasn’t a physical object. When Buts was getting married, Van Aert arranged a personalized video message from none other than legendary American singer, Bruce Springsteen. “Me, my dad and my uncles are big Springsteen fans. And now Wout too,” said Buts.
The connection was possible because Van Aert’s chief of staff’s girlfriend is a professional horse groomer, and she knew Jessica Springsteen, Bruce’s daughter, who won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
out Van Aert got in touch with her and thus came the video message from “The Boss” congratulating Buts on her wedding. “We were all stunned. Some people even started crying. He couldn’t have given a better gift,” Buts added.
