Wout van Aert Opens Up About Lingering Pain from Vuelta Crash but Holds onto Hope for Cyclo-Cross Return and a Strong 2025
Wout van Aert, one of the most versatile and admired cyclists in the world, has opened up about the emotional and physical toll that his crash during the Vuelta a España continues to have on him. The Belgian star, known for his dominance across road racing and cyclo-cross, suffered a major setback when he was forced to abandon the Vuelta after a serious crash just two weeks ago. While the initial hope was for a swift recovery, van Aert has revealed that the injuries are taking longer than expected to heal, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his plans for the rest of the year.
Despite the pain and challenges he is facing, van Aert remains hopeful that he will return to cyclo-cross this winter and is already looking ahead to a full road racing program in 2025. His resilience and determination in the face of adversity have inspired countless fans, but the road to recovery is proving to be far more complex than he had initially anticipated.
The Crash That Shook the Vuelta a España
Wout van Aert’s crash during the Vuelta a España was a moment that left both his team and fans in shock. In the high-speed chaos of the peloton, the Belgian was brought down in a brutal fall that left him with severe bruises, cuts, and deep physical trauma. His dreams of completing the Vuelta and securing a strong performance were instantly shattered, and he was forced to withdraw from the race—an emotional blow for a rider known for his relentless fighting spirit.
The crash occurred during one of the most intense stages of the race, where van Aert was pushing to stay within striking distance of the overall contenders. As the peloton raced through narrow roads, a sudden change in pace and positioning led to the horrific incident. Van Aert, who has been involved in several high-speed crashes before, immediately realized that this one was different. The impact was severe, and the injuries he sustained were more than superficial.
After receiving initial medical treatment, it was decided that van Aert would not continue the race. The pain was too much, and the risk of further damage to his body outweighed the potential rewards of pushing through. It was a difficult moment for van Aert, who prides himself on his ability to endure pain and adversity. Walking away from the race was emotionally devastating, not only for him but for his team, Jumbo-Visma, who had placed high hopes on his contribution.
Lingering Pain: A Slower-Than-Expected Recovery
In the immediate aftermath of the crash, van Aert expressed hope that his recovery would be swift and straightforward. However, two weeks later, the reality has set in that healing is taking much longer than expected. In a recent interview, he opened up about the lingering pain that continues to affect his ability to train and even perform basic physical tasks.
“The crash at the Vuelta was one of the hardest moments of my career, and the recovery process has been much more difficult than I imagined. I’ve had crashes before, but this one has left me with injuries that are taking time to heal. Every day I feel the discomfort, and it’s frustrating because I want to be back on the bike, pushing my limits. But my body is telling me to slow down,” van Aert revealed.
The injuries, which include deep bruising, muscle damage, and strained ligaments, are more complex than initially diagnosed. Van Aert has been undergoing intensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation to regain his strength, but progress has been slower than he hoped. The mental challenge of dealing with a prolonged recovery is perhaps even more taxing than the physical one. For a rider like van Aert, whose entire life revolves around the bike, being forced to step away from competition and training is a difficult pill to swallow.
The Emotional Toll: Overcoming Setbacks
The physical pain is just one part of the equation. Van Aert has also spoken about the emotional toll the crash and its aftermath have had on him. For an elite athlete who thrives on competition, the uncertainty surrounding his return to racing has been mentally draining. There are days when the frustration of not being able to ride at full capacity weighs heavily on him.
“I’ve always been able to push through pain, but this time it’s different. There’s a mental aspect that I’m grappling with—trying to stay patient and trusting that my body will heal in its own time. It’s hard because I’m used to being in control of my training and my racing, but right now, I have to let go and focus on recovery. It’s a lesson in patience that I wasn’t expecting,” van Aert shared.
His family, team, and close friends have provided him with unwavering support during this challenging period. Van Aert credits his wife, Sarah, and their young son, Georges, with helping him maintain perspective and find moments of joy amidst the frustration. Being a father has added a new dimension to his life, and while cycling remains his passion, his family has become a source of strength and comfort during this time.
The Cyclo-Cross Season: A Race Against Time
Despite the setbacks, van Aert has not given up on his hope to compete in cyclo-cross this winter. Cyclo-cross holds a special place in van Aert’s heart, and he has achieved some of his greatest victories in the mud and cold of the winter racing season. However, with the clock ticking and his recovery still in progress, the question remains whether he will be ready in time to participate at his usual high level.
“My goal is still to race cyclo-cross this winter, but it’s a race against time. I’m doing everything I can to speed up the healing process, but I also have to be smart and not rush back too soon. Cyclo-cross is brutal on the body, and I need to be fully fit if I’m going to compete. It’s tough because I miss the sport, but I know that if I push too hard now, I could risk my road season in 2025,” van Aert said.
The cyclo-cross community is eagerly awaiting his return, as van Aert has been a dominant force in the discipline for years, engaging in epic battles with rivals like Mathieu van der Poel. However, his focus remains on getting back to full fitness, and he is prepared to adjust his schedule if necessary to ensure a successful return to racing.
Looking Ahead to 2025: A Full Road Season
While his immediate future in cyclo-cross remains uncertain, van Aert is already looking ahead to a full road season in 2025. After his impressive performances in both the Classics and Grand Tours over the past few years, van Aert is determined to continue building on his successes. He is hungry for more victories and aims to once again challenge for the top spots in the biggest races on the calendar.
“2025 is going to be a big year for me. I want to come back stronger than ever and make up for the time I’ve lost. There are so many races I want to target, from the Spring Classics to the Tour de France, and I’m working towards being in the best possible shape for those challenges. This injury has been a setback, but it’s also given me time to reflect on my goals and what I want to achieve in the coming years,” van Aert stated.
One of van Aert’s biggest goals for 2025 is to continue his pursuit of a Tour de France stage victory, having come agonizingly close on several occasions. His versatility as a rider, capable of winning sprints, time trials, and mountain stages, makes him one of the most dangerous competitors in the peloton. His team, Jumbo-Visma, has full confidence in his ability to bounce back and return to his winning ways.
Hope and Determination Amidst the Pain
Wout van Aert’s journey through injury and recovery is a testament to his strength, both as an athlete and as a person. While the road back to full fitness is proving to be more challenging than expected, van Aert’s resilience and determination remain unshaken. He is not one to give up easily, and his eyes are firmly set on his future goals, both in cyclo-cross and road racing.
As he continues to heal from the injuries sustained in the Vuelta a España, van Aert’s story serves as an inspiration to athletes and fans alike. He has shown that even in the face of adversity, hope and perseverance can light the way forward. Whether he returns to cyclo-cross this winter or makes his comeback in 2025, one thing is certain: Wout van Aert will continue to leave his mark on the world of cycling, and his best is yet to come.
