He was a considerable talent, winning the prologue time trial of the Vuelta a España in his debut year of 1983.

During the 1983 Tour de France he also won the prologue and held the yellow jersey for two days.

His participation in the 1985 edition was a strong one, beating the eventual Tour winner Bernard Hinault in a time trial stage.

After 1988, his career went in decline and, despite his talent, he failed to win major races.

[2] His son Michael Vanderaerden signed a contract with the team in September 2007.