Wout van Aert’s season has officially come to an early end after his crash in the Vuelta a España. The 29-year-old rider from Visma | Lease a Bike sustained a serious knee injury that now requires intensive care, and as a result, he will miss both the European and World Championships. “He needs time to recover,” confirmed his team.
The Belgian rider is currently in a hospital in Belgium, where he is receiving intravenous antibiotics to prevent any risk of infection. After the initial treatment, van Aert will take a break to focus on a full recovery before cautiously setting his sights on next season.
This marks a significant setback for van Aert, whose season was already plagued with challenges. Known for his versatility across multiple disciplines, van Aert had been targeting a strong finish to his year, but the crash in the Vuelta has abruptly halted those ambitions. The knee injury, considered serious enough to require extensive care, leaves questions about how he will approach the next season and whether his recovery will allow him to return to top form in time.
A Break to Rebuild
The focus now is on ensuring a complete and cautious recovery. The use of antibiotics is an essential step in preventing complications, but the road back to competition will be a long one. Van Aert will take the time needed to heal fully, even if it means slowing down his winter preparation.
The 2024 season had been a demanding one for van Aert, who balanced road racing, cyclocross, and various international competitions. His absence from the European and World Championships will undoubtedly leave a gap in those events, as he was expected to be a key contender in both. Yet, his health and future performance remain the priority.
Fans and fellow riders will be eagerly awaiting his return in 2025, but for now, the rider and his team remain focused on ensuring that when he does come back, it’s with a fully restored knee and a renewed sense of purpose.
