Sarah de Bie’s Heartfelt Call: A Romantic Rally of Support for Wout van Aert During the Tour de France.
As the 2025 Tour de France kicks into high gear, one of the peloton’s most admired figures, Wout van Aert, embarks on yet another grueling test of will, strength, and sacrifice. But behind every great rider, there is often a great love — and in Wout’s case, that support beams from none other than his wife, Sarah de Bie.
Sarah urged fans around the world to stand with her husband—not only as spectators, but as emotional anchors. “**Namens mijn man wil ik graag dat jullie je liefde en steun tonen tijdens de Tour…**” (“**On behalf of my husband, I would like you to show your love and support during the Tour…**”) — it wasn’t just a quote, it was a call to unity, loyalty, and love.
Behind the Race: The Emotional Weight of the Tour
The Tour de France isn’t just a sporting event; it’s a mental and physical battlefield. Riders like Wout van Aert push their limits over 3,000 kilometers, across punishing mountains and blistering heat, with only brief moments of rest. In such high-pressure environments, moral support becomes a lifeline — something Sarah understands deeply.
Wout has long been known for his versatility and dedication, often sacrificing his own ambitions for his teammates or going all-in during mountain, sprint, and time trial stages alike. But with growing expectations and increasing scrutiny, especially after recent seasons filled with injury setbacks and dramatic team dynamics, the emotional toll has risen.
Sarah’s message, then, comes at the perfect time — not only for Wout, but for the fans who follow him with devotion.
Sarah de Bie: More Than Just a Cyclist’s Wife
Sarah de Bie is no stranger to the limelight. Elegant, empathetic, and eloquent, she has carved out her own space in Belgian media and lifestyle circles. Yet, her most defining role, by her own admission, is as Wout’s partner and confidante.
Their romance is one built not on grand spectacles but on quiet resilience. From Wout’s early cyclocross days to the heights of the Champs-Élysées, Sarah has been there: holding his hand, cheering from the sidelines, and raising their son Georges as a loving mother while juggling the unpredictable life that comes with being the partner of a top athlete.
When Sarah asks the public to rally behind her husband, she does so with the knowledge that sometimes, one word of encouragement, one note of belief, can carry a tired soul through the mountains.
The Gesture: A “Moral Boost” from the Public
Sarah’s message was not just sentimental — it was tactical. She specifically requested that fans offer **a moral gesture**: messages, flags, social media support, or even just shouting Wout’s name along the course. In her words:
> **“Laat je horen. Laat hem voelen dat hij niet alleen rijdt. Stuur een kaartje, een tekening van jullie kinderen, of steek een vlag op met zijn naam. Elke boodschap telt.”**
> *(“Let your voice be heard. Let him feel he’s not riding alone. Send a card, a drawing from your kids, or wave a flag with his name. Every message counts.”)*
This appeal reflects the deeply human side of professional sport — where emotional energy from supporters can translate into real strength on the road. It’s an acknowledgment that even the strongest athletes need love.
Fans Respond: Hashtags, Flags, and Flowers
Almost instantly, Sarah’s plea sparked a wave of response. On social media, the hashtag **SteunVoorWout** began trending in Belgium and the Netherlands. Fans posted videos of encouragement, shared artwork, and sent public messages of hope.
Children were seen waving homemade signs along the first Tour stages. Cyclists from Wout’s native Herentals organized a group ride to show solidarity. And perhaps most touching — a bouquet of yellow and green flowers was delivered anonymously to the Jumbo-Visma team bus with a simple note: “Voor de leeuw van Vlaanderen, met liefde.”
Love, Loyalty, and the Road Ahead
Sarah’s call to action reminds us that cycling is not a solitary pursuit — it is a team sport at every level, including the personal. Wout van Aert may wear a race number on his back, but he carries far more: the hopes of a nation, the admiration of fans, and the enduring love of his wife.
In a sport often driven by performance data, watts, and podiums, Sarah has reintroduced a different metric — **heart**. Her message doesn’t just lift Wout; it inspires us all to look beyond the results and see the soul behind the athlete.
Final Words from Sarah
As the Tour moves forward, so does Sarah’s unwavering support:
> **“Elke kilometer dat hij fietst, fietsen we in ons hart met hem mee. En ik weet dat jullie dat ook doen.”**
> *(“Every kilometer he rides, we ride with him in our hearts. And I know you do too.”)*
In Wout van Aert’s story, Sarah de Bie isn’t just a chapter — she’s the emotional spine. And in this Tour, her words may be the quiet wind at his back that pushes him to even greater heights.
