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Wout van Aert teases Tadej Pogacar after second stage of the Vuelta

After the second stage of the Vuelta, Wout van Aert had a playful comment for Tadej Pogacar, who gave his race glasses to Georges.

23 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Wout van Aert teases Tadej Pogacar after second stage of the Vuelta — Photo: VereeckenCH · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

After the second stage of the Vuelta, Wout van Aert had a lighthearted remark for his rival Tadej Pogacar. Van Aert jokingly noted, 'You ride with everyone, except for me'. This playful teasing followed an earlier collaboration that, according to Van Aert, did not go as expected.

Despite the lack of cooperation between the two riders, there was also a positive moment. Pogacar gifted Georges, Van Aert's five-year-old son, with a pair of racing glasses. This gesture was appreciated by those present.

According to reports, despite the teasing, Pogacar had his strategy during the stage, which did not result in a victory, well thought out. However, his decision to collaborate with other riders was not understood by everyone, especially not within Van Aert's team.

Van Aert's team, including his teammate Matthew Brennan, scored a victory during the stage, contributing to positive emotions within the team. Van Aert himself did not seem too concerned about the lack of victory for his own results.

Van Aert appeared to appreciate the competitive atmosphere, despite his questions regarding cooperation with Pogacar. He remains hopeful for future stages and the functioning within his team.

The interaction between Van Aert and Pogacar reflects the dynamics in the cycling world, where rivalry and friendship go hand in hand.

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