Belgian cycling star Wout van Aert, known for his versatile riding skills, has taken on an unexpected challenge—this time not on the road or trail, but on water. The Red Bull-sponsored athlete, who is part of the Visma-Lease a Bike team, recently swapped his bike for a “surf-bike” in a unique promotional stunt.
Filmed along the Leie River in Kortrijk, Belgium, van Aert is seen riding a Red Shark ‘Bike Surf,’ a water bike that combines the features of an exercise bike and a paddleboard. The unconventional bike features pedals that power a propeller underneath the board, allowing the rider to glide across the water. Red Shark describes the inflatable board as lightweight, while the 8kg frame includes a comfort saddle and alloy riser bar.
Though van Aert is used to cutting through roadways at top speed, his pace on the water is noticeably slower. This departure from his usual high-performance rides, like his Cervélo with SRAM Red eTap, is met with a labored expression as he pedals against the current.
The sight of van Aert, 30, riding between Kortrijk’s medieval Broel towers offers a picturesque backdrop, but it’s clear the accomplished cyclist is eager to return to more familiar terrain. His 2024 season is centered around ambitious goals, with the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix topping his list of objectives—races that have so far eluded him despite several attempts.
In addition to these key classics, van Aert will compete in his first Giro d’Italia, with the Tour de France also on his calendar. After a challenging 2024 season marked by crashes and forced withdrawals, van Aert hopes for a smoother ride as he prepares for the upcoming season.
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