Wout van Aert’s 2024 Season: A Tale of Triumph, Setback, and Resilience
Wout van Aert, the Belgian powerhouse known for his versatility across multiple cycling disciplines, had his 2024 season cruelly brought to a premature end after a devastating crash during the third week of the Vuelta a España. The incident, which occurred during one of the race’s grueling mountain stages, left Van Aert with serious injuries that forced him out of the race and into a long recovery process. Although the 29-year-old has not yet returned to training on the bike, he is making slow but steady progress in his rehabilitation.
For fans of Van Aert, the crash marked a heartbreaking twist in what had been another impressive season for the rider, who has built a reputation as one of the most exciting and dominant cyclists of his generation. From his successes earlier in the year to the challenge of rebuilding after injury, Van Aert’s 2024 campaign stands as a testament to both the highs and the brutal lows that professional cyclists endure.
Van Aert’s season began with great promise. Known for his ability to perform in both one-day classics and grand tours, the Belgian entered the year with ambitions of adding to his already glittering palmarès. After a successful 2023 season, where he placed high in major races and took several stage wins, Van Aert was eager to continue his dominance in 2024.
In the early months, Van Aert delivered strong performances in the Spring Classics, a key area of focus for him. He claimed podium finishes in races like Strade Bianche and Milan-San Remo, and his participation in Paris-Roubaix was as thrilling as ever. Although he didn’t win the “Hell of the North,” his relentless drive and powerful riding impressed fans and critics alike.
But it wasn’t just the one-day races where Van Aert shone. He also carried strong form into the grand tours. After putting in a solid showing at the Tour de France, where he wore the green jersey for multiple stages and helped his team to victories, his focus shifted to the Vuelta a España—a race he had yet to conquer fully.
As Van Aert lined up for the start of the Vuelta in late August, he was filled with optimism. His aim was to target stage wins and potentially fight for the green jersey in Spain, a feat that would complement his career achievements. His team, Jumbo-Visma, entered the race as strong contenders, boasting a line-up that also included Jonas Vingegaard and Primož Roglič. Van Aert was a key component of their strategy, tasked with supporting his teammates while also seeking personal success.
The early stages of the Vuelta saw Van Aert riding with his usual determination. He was aggressive on the flatter stages, always positioning himself in the right place for a potential sprint finish, while providing valuable support in the mountains. It seemed like his season was progressing smoothly.
However, disaster struck during Stage 17, deep into the mountainous region of Asturias. On a treacherous descent, Van Aert lost control of his bike after hitting a wet patch on the road. The crash was severe, and Van Aert tumbled hard onto the unforgiving pavement, immediately clutching his shoulder and grimacing in pain. Medics rushed to his side, and it was quickly clear that his race—and perhaps his season—was over.
After being transported to a nearby hospital, Van Aert underwent a series of scans and evaluations. The diagnosis was grim: a fractured collarbone, broken ribs, and bruising that would require extensive recovery time. The injuries were not life-threatening but serious enough to cast doubt over the remainder of his 2024 season.
In the days following the crash, Van Aert expressed his disappointment on social media, thanking his fans for their support and vowing to come back stronger. His determination to recover was evident, but the path ahead would be challenging.
As of now, Van Aert’s recovery is progressing, though not as quickly as he might have hoped. He recently provided an update on his condition, admitting that while he is making “baby steps” toward recovery, he is still far from getting back on the bike. His rehabilitation has involved physical therapy sessions to regain mobility in his shoulder and manage the pain in his ribs. However, Van Aert remains optimistic and patient, knowing that a slow, steady recovery will be key to returning to his best form.
Van Aert’s premature exit from the Vuelta has inevitably led to reflection on his 2024 season as a whole. Despite the crash, he has much to be proud of. His consistency across the Classics, his Tour de France efforts, and his contribution to his team’s success have all cemented his status as one of cycling’s elite riders.
For Van Aert, 2024 was also a season where he balanced personal goals with his role as a domestique for his teammates, particularly Jonas Vingegaard and Primož Roglič. His versatility—equally capable of sprinting, climbing, and time-trialling—makes him one of the most valuable riders in the peloton, and his absence in the final stages of the Vuelta was keenly felt by Jumbo-Visma.
Van Aert’s crash serves as a reminder of the inherent risks in professional cycling, a sport where even the best riders are just one accident away from seeing their season derailed. However, if Van Aert’s career has shown anything, it is that he is no stranger to adversity. Whether it was his previous battles with injury or the challenges of balancing road racing with his passion for cyclocross, he has always come back stronger.
As 2024 draws to a close, the cycling world waits eagerly for Van Aert’s return. Although it’s unclear whether he will be fit enough to compete in the remaining races of the year, there is little doubt that he will be back in top form for 2025. His focus will likely shift to healing completely, and then, once back on the bike, preparing for the key races that will define the next phase of his career.
For Van Aert, the path ahead is not just about physical recovery but also mental resilience. The Belgian has often spoken about the psychological toll of injury, but his positive attitude and determination suggest that he will face these challenges head-on. His fans, too, remain hopeful, eager to see him return to the sport he excels in.
In the meantime, Van Aert will continue to take those “baby steps” toward recovery. While 2024 may not have ended the way he envisioned, it is merely a chapter in a much larger story—a story of triumph, resilience, and the pursuit of greatness that Wout van Aert has embodied throughout his career.
