Belgian cyclocross specialist Thijs Aerts will end his professional career at the end of this 2024-2025 season. On February 23rd, the former Junior world champion will say goodbye at the Sluitingsprijs in Oostmalle, after seven years as a professional, including two with Charles Liégeois Roastery CX.
Considered one of the best riders of his generation, Aerts brilliantly distinguished himself in the youth categories. In addition to winning the rainbow jersey in the Junior category in Hoogerheide in 2014, he also won two Belgian U23 titles in Lille (2016) and Koksijde (2018).
The 28 year old rider from Rijkevorsel, younger brother of Toon Aerts, offered Charles Liégeois Roastery CX three podiums in the last two years, including a remarkable third place behind Wout Van Aert and Jens Adams in Essen. His professional record includes three international victories in Grandville, Crawley, and Contern.
Also active on the road, Aerts dedicated himself wholeheartedly as a loyal teammate in service of his teammates within the structure of Intermarché-Wanty. He was, for example, part of the winning team around Gerben Thijssen in the 2023 Tour of Limburg, and played an important role in the successes of Gerben Kuypers in the Tours of Namur and Liège. At the end of August, he concluded the very last road race of his career with Wanty-ReUz-Technord in the most beautiful way by triumphing in the last stage of the Tour of Namur on top of the Citadel.
"Since my first steps in the world of cyclocross at the age of eleven, I've had the chance to experience everything. Every mud section, every circuit, every victory, and every setback have made me the rider I am today. I was able to realize my childhood dreams thanks to my two teams Charles Liégeois Roastery CX and Baloise Trek Lions. With my brother Toon, we created countless memories. It was also each time a great honour to be able to represent Belgium at the most prestigious events. Now, after careful consideration, I have decided to end my career as a professional cyclist, with pride and gratitude. I can proudly say that I gave everything, every day, to get the best out of myself. Recently, I realized that the results were no longer matching the sacrifices. Last August, I completed the last road race of my career with the structure of Intermarché-Wanty with a beautiful victory in the Tour of Namur. I will approach my last cyclocross races with total commitment to finish on a high note. I will make the most of every cross with my personal staff, whom I have been able to count on for ten years, with my teammates and the staff of Charles Liégeois Roastery CX. Only time will tell what I will do next, but one thing is certain: cycling will undoubtedly continue to play a central role. I would like to pass on my passion and experience of cyclocross to the next generations."
