'Wout always said he would win the flowers at Roubaix for Michael' – Van Aert honours promise to parents of lost teammate, gifting them his Paris-Roubaix bouquet

Wout van Aert fulfilled a heartfelt promise by winning the 2026 Paris-Roubaix and dedicating his victory to his late teammate Michael Goolaerts, who tragically died during the 2018 edition of the race. Van Aert, who was racing alongside Goolaerts for Vérandas Willems-Crelan when the young Belgian suffered a fatal cardiac arrest on the cobbles, had long vowed to claim the iconic ‘Hell of the North’ win in his friend’s memory. After crossing the finish line in the Roubaix velodrome, Van Aert emotionally dedicated the triumph to Goolaerts and his family, sending the winner’s bouquet to them as a poignant tribute. The victory was a dramatic and emotional moment, with Van Aert edging out Tadej Pogačar in a thrilling sprint finish. This marked Van Aert’s eighth attempt at the Monument classic, underscoring his determination and resilience in honouring his fallen teammate. The cobbled sector where Goolaerts collapsed has since been renamed ‘Secteur Pavé Michael Goolaerts’, a lasting memorial on the race route. Van Aert spoke of feeling a special connection riding this sector, believing that Goolaerts gave him extra strength to secure the win. Goolaerts’ family expressed deep emotion upon receiving news of Van Aert’s victory and the accompanying bouquet, which included an urn shaped like a cobblestone. His father, Staf, admitted he had struggled to watch races since Michael’s death but was moved to tears listening to Van Aert’s post-race interview. Marianne, Michael’s mother, reflected on how Van Aert had never let go of his friend’s memory, describing the win as a shared triumph that symbolised Michael’s enduring presence in their hearts. The gesture by Van Aert and the response from Goolaerts’ family highlight the profound bonds within the cycling community and the lasting impact of tragedy on the sport. Van Aert’s victory not only honours a fallen friend but also serves as a powerful reminder of the human stories behind the competition. As the cycling world continues to remember Michael Goolaerts, Van Aert’s triumph stands as a testament to loyalty, remembrance, and the emotional depth of professional racing.