Good News: Netflix Announces the Release of a Long-Awaited Documentary on Wout van Aert: A Deep Dive into the Life of a Cyclo-Cross Race Legend…
In an announcement that has thrilled cycling fans worldwide, Netflix has officially greenlit and scheduled the release of a groundbreaking new sports documentary chronicling the extraordinary life and career of Belgian cycling sensation Wout van Aert. Titled “Wout: Beyond the Mud,” the film promises to delve into the highs and lows of van Aert’s journey, offering a rare glimpse into the life of one of the most versatile and resilient athletes in modern cycling.
This long-anticipated documentary is set to premiere globally in the fall of 2025 and will serve as a powerful tribute to van Aert’s legacy in cyclo-cross, road racing, and beyond. Fans, critics, and fellow athletes have praised the announcement, hailing it as a much-needed recognition of a man who has transcended the boundaries of his sport.
A Story Rooted in Passion and Grit
Born in Herentals, Belgium, Wout van Aert rose from local hero to global icon, beginning his career in the rough, unpredictable terrain of cyclo-cross—a brutal winter discipline known for mud, sand, and unrelenting competition. The documentary traces his early days racing as a teenager, navigating freezing conditions and amateur tracks, to becoming a three-time UCI Cyclo-cross World Champion.
But “Wout: Beyond the Mud” goes beyond medals and podiums. The film explores the mental and physical demands of his rise to greatness. Through exclusive interviews with Wout himself, his family, childhood friends, and rival-turned-compatriot Mathieu van der Poel, viewers will see how determination and inner strength helped him overcome devastating injuries and moments of personal doubt.
The Netflix Treatment: Cinematic, Raw, and Human
Produced by the award-winning team behind The Last Dance and Break Point, the documentary promises a cinematic portrayal of Wout’s journey, with never-before-seen footage from team buses, locker rooms, family kitchens, and training sessions deep in the Ardennes. The production captures not only the speed and fury of the races but also the silence of recovery, the solitude of training, and the humility that defines van Aert’s character.
A key focus will be van Aert’s transition from cyclo-cross to dominating on the road with Team Jumbo-Visma. His incredible performance in the Tour de France—where he served as a super-domestique, sprinter, time-trialist, and mountain climber—all in one edition—redefined what it means to be an all-around cyclist. From Stage 10 victories to legendary pulls on Alpe d’Huez, the film dives into what many call the “Wout Era” of pro cycling.
Family, Teamwork, and Personal Sacrifice
While his athletic accomplishments are remarkable, the documentary also sheds light on the sacrifices van Aert and his family have made for success. Viewers will meet his wife, Sarah, and their son Georges, offering a rare look at how Wout balances fatherhood with the relentless demands of global competition.
“Wout’s story is more than a cycling story—it’s about grit, purpose, and legacy,” said Netflix’s Head of Sports Documentaries, Julia Reynolds. “He’s not just one of the greatest athletes in the world—he’s also one of the most grounded, and that humility makes him incredibly compelling.”
Celebrating a Legend in Real Time
With cycling growing in popularity across the world and the sport finding new audiences on streaming platforms, the timing of the documentary could not be better. As Netflix continues to invest in sports storytelling—from Formula 1 to tennis to the NFL—this deep dive into Wout van Aert’s life cements cycling’s place on the global entertainment stage.
The film concludes with scenes from the most recent cyclo-cross world championships and an intimate reflection by van Aert on his future, legacy, and hopes for the next generation of Belgian talent. Far from a career eulogy, “Wout: Beyond the Mud” is a celebration of a man still at the height of his powers.
Coming Soon
Set to premiere in over 190 countries with subtitles in more than 25 languages, “Wout: Beyond the Mud” will give fans worldwide a front-row seat to the life of a man who has redefined what it means to be an all-terrain cyclist. From the mud tracks of Flanders to the Champs-Élysées, Wout van Aert’s story is finally getting the cinematic tribute it deserves.
Mark your calendars, cycling fans: this fall, Netflix brings you the legend, the rider, the human—Wout van Aert.
