Belgian cyclist Wout Van Aert recently opened up about the physical and emotional toll of his challenging 2024 season, marked by significant injuries and high-profile setbacks. After a promising start to the season, Van Aert crashed at Dwars door Vlaanderen, resulting in injuries that disrupted his entire racing schedule, forcing him to withdraw from key races like the Giro d’Italia and the Classics. Though he managed a comeback for the Tour de France, where he displayed his formidable talent, his luck took a downturn again at the Vuelta a España.
During the Vuelta, Van Aert suffered a severe knee injury in a rain-slick descent, which ended his season prematurely. This crash, compounded by prior injuries, required extensive rest and a strict recovery plan involving antibiotics and stitches to prevent infection. His injury forced him to withdraw from the UCI Road World Championships, a race he had been highly motivated to compete in for Belgium.
Reflecting on his season, Van Aert expressed his frustration and disappointment. Despite his setbacks, he signed a groundbreaking lifetime contract with his team, Visma-Lease a Bike, highlighting his commitment to long-term goals and renewed ambitions for the Classics in 2025. Although the season’s challenges have tested his resilience, Van Aert remains optimistic about his recovery and future competitions, hoping to reclaim his top form and continue building his legacy.
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