Richard Plugge also supported Van Aert's choice. The founder of the Jumbo Visma he told how important he thinks it is sharing important moments with family and praised the champion's decision.
The news that Van Aert's presence at the Tour could be a clockwork affair was in the air. Some had seen the birth of his son as a pretext for not sharing the Grande Boucle with Vingegaard. Instead, The Belgian accompanied his teammate until the day of Courchevel. Then she hugged him, looked him in the eyes, said the word "Incredible" and left the Tour de France. The team released the video the next morning (a still from the same film opens), but at that point Wout was already in his home in Herentals.
On the day of rest
The decision was made on the rest day, so that when the plan was put into action, there was already a helicopter and a private plane belonging to the Van Eerd family ready., owner of the sponsor Jumbo, who brought him back to Belgium.
«Monday – says the sports director Arthur Van Dongen – we have been informed that the moment of birth was approachingWout communicated his intention to his companions. Some of them have children, so they accepted his idea. It wasn't a real surprise, because we knew it could happen.. Once upon a time, a fact like this would not have been digested so easily, but we We believe it is important to think about the person behind the rider. So, while after the arrival the race was commented on, No one noticed Wout being transferred to the helicopter».
A change of direction
Cipollini left the 1997 Giro for one evening. His daughter Lucrezia had just been born, and Mario boarded a helicopter, returning to the group for the next stage. When questioned by the Belgian press about Van Aert's decision, Some psychologists have noticed a change of direction in being champions.
«It is a sign of a broader social evolution – said Dr. Cedric Arijs to Het Nieuwsblad – in the past the value of work was higher than it is now, everything revolved around performance. It was said that the focus had to be everything about sport and for this reason we had to give up everything elseThe younger generation says it wants a life outside of work or sports. Wout's choice fits well with this: taking well-being into account. As a psychologist, I think it's a good development. We can say that a good top-level athlete should be more than just an athleteThere are other roles. That of the father, for example. I am convinced that a person who feels good in all roles has a broader identity. and will be mentally stronger."
The shirt is safe
Van Dongen, who is the coach and also the good father of the team, goes on in account of the hours leading up to Van Aert's departure. Who, in any case, waited for Vingegaard to reach the reassuring margin of 7'35” over the second.
"The goal," Van Dongen says, "was to win a stage with him. Last year, we had the green jersey as our goal, with several victories. Now, in addition to the yellow jersey, our goal was to win other stagesIt didn't work. Wout worked hard for this, but sometimes he found stronger opponents. It's a shame, but No missed stage win at the Tour diminishes Wout van Aert's qualitiesAs for the classification, although we must remain vigilant, very strange things would have to happen for Jonas to lose the yellow jersey. We have a strong team, I think that at this point in the Tour Wout's absence will have a manageable impact».
