Van Aert Fulfills Promise, Dedicates Paris-Roubaix Victory to Late Teammate
Wout van Aert emerged victorious at the 2026 Paris-Roubaix. He crossed the Roubaix velodrome first after a dramatic sprint against Tadej Pogačar.
The Visma-Lease a Bike rider dedicated the win to his late teammate Michael Goolaerts. Van Aert had long promised to take this Monument for his fallen friend.
Race and Finish
The deciding sprint played out on the famous boards of the velodrome. Pogačar finished behind Van Aert in a thrilling conclusion.
It was Van Aert’s eighth attempt at the Monument. He celebrated alongside his wife, Sarah De Bie, immediately after the finish.
Tribute to Michael Goolaerts
Goolaerts died during the 2018 Paris-Roubaix. He suffered a fatal cardiac arrest on the second cobbled sector at age 23.
Both riders had raced together for Vérandas Willems-Crelan in 2018. That year marked Van Aert’s first participation in the Hell of the North.
Van Aert has long used the hashtag #All4Goolie on social media. He vowed then to return and win for his friend.
Family Response
Filmogaz.com spoke with Goolaerts’ parents after the race. His father, Staf, described an overwhelming emotional reaction when he learned of the result.
Staf said he rarely watches racing since his son’s death. He stopped his car to listen on the radio when he heard Van Aert had a chance to win.
Goolaerts’ mother, Marianne, said Michael remains close to their hearts. She added that Van Aert never let his friend go, and family members felt comforted.
Memorial and Mementos
The cobbled sector at Briastre was renamed Secteur Pavé Michael Goolaerts. The change honours the spot where Goolaerts collapsed in 2018.
After the race, Van Aert promised to send the winner’s bouquet to Goolaerts’ family. The podium flowers arrived, accompanied by an urn shaped like a cobblestone.
Van Aert’s Reflection
Riding the Briastre sector gave Van Aert strong emotions. He said the place still gives him goosebumps and felt like extra strength that day.
Many observers described the victory as deeply emotional. Van Aert Fulfills Promise, Dedicates Paris-Roubaix Victory to Late Teammate became a common refrain across coverage.
