werhouse in the world of cycling, producing some of the most iconic and talented riders in the sport’s history. hTe 21st century has seen the emergence of a new generation of Belgian cyclists who have made their mark on the international scene. From Grand Tour champions to World Championship winners, these athletes have helped cement Belgium’s reputation as a cycling nation.
Among the current crop of Belgian riders, Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert have been widely recognized as two of the brightest talents in the sport. But where do they rank among the all-time greats of Belgian cycling in the 21st century? Let’s take a look at the top five Belgian cyclists of the modern era and see where Evenepoel and van Aert fit into the mix.
1.Tom Boonen**
*Career Highlights: 4x Paris-Roubaix, 3x Tour of Flanders, 1x World Road Race Champion*
It’s impossible to discuss Belgian cycling in the 21st century without mentioning Tom Boonen. A true legend of the sport, Boonen dominated the cobbled classics in a way few others have. With four Paris-Roubaix victories, three Tour of Flanders wins, and a World Championship title to his name, Boonen’s list of achievements is second to none. His combination of raw power, tactical intelligence, and ability to thrive in the most challenging conditions earned him a place among cycling’s elite. While Boonen’s career wound down in the late 2010s, his legacy as one of Belgium’s finest riders remains untouchable.
2. *Philippe Gilbert
*Career Highlights: 1x World Road Race Champion, 4x Monument victories, 1x Liege-Bastogne-Liege*
Philippe Gilbert is another giant of Belgian cycling in the 21st century. Known for his versatility and aggressive riding style, Gilbert has won almost every major race on the calendar. His victory in the 2012 World Road Race Championship cemented his status as one of the greats, and his wins in the classics—including the Amstel Gold Race, Fleche Wallonne, and Liege-Bastogne-Liege—show his ability to dominate across different terrains. Though his career has started to wind down, Gilbert’s impressive list of victories and his role as a key figure in Belgian cycling make him a clear candidate for the top tier of Belgian riders.
3. Eddy Merckx
*Career Highlights: 5x Tour de France, 5x Giro d’Italia, 1x World Champion*
Though Eddy Merckx’s prime came in the 1960s and 1970s, his influence on Belgian cycling—and cycling as a whole—still looms large. The “Cannibal” is widely considered the greatest cyclist of all time, with a staggering number of wins across all disciplines. While Merckx’s career is outside the 21st century, his enduring legacy and contribution to the sport are undeniably influential to Belgian cycling even today. The current generation of riders looks to his career as the standard they hope to emulate.
### 4. **Wout van Aert**
*Career Highlights: 3x World Cyclocross Champion, 1x Tour de France stage winner, Multiple Classics wins*
Wout van Aert is quickly establishing himself as one of the finest Belgian cyclists of the modern era. Known for his all-around abilities, Van Aert excels in cyclocross, road racing, and time trials. His performances in the Tour de France, including his stage wins, and his consistency in one-day races like Milan-San Remo and the Tour of Flanders place him firmly in the conversation as one of Belgium’s best riders of the 21st century. With multiple world cyclocross titles already in his collection, Van Aert’s future looks incredibly bright, and many believe he’s just getting started.
5. **Remco Evenepoel**
*Career Highlights: 1x Vuelta a España champion, 1x World Time Trial Champion, Monument wins*
The young Remco Evenepoel has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in Belgian cycling. After a standout debut in 2019, where he won the Clásica San Sebastián and took stages in the Vuelta, Evenepoel showed his true potential in 2022 when he won the Vuelta a España, becoming one of the youngest Grand Tour champions in history. Known for his attacking style and strong time trial abilities, Evenepoel has already achieved what many riders dream of in their careers, including becoming the World Time Trial Champion. With several more years ahead of him, Evenepoel could well ascend higher in the ranks, making him one to watch as he continues to develop.
### Conclusion
Belgium has produced some of the most gifted and accomplished cyclists of the modern era, and while Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert are still carving out their legacies, they are already firmly among the best. Tom Boonen and Philippe Gilbert may be near the end of their careers, but their place in history is secure. Evenepoel’s potential and Van Aert’s versatility suggest that Belgian cycling’s future will remain as bright as its past. With the current crop of riders, Belgium’s cycling legacy is in very good hands.
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