After a fall
Cycling star is probably making a comeback – and meets his biggest rival
12/25/2024 – 5:46 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Wout van Aert experienced a year marked by ups and downs. Now the Belgian wants to make his comeback after his last serious fall.
The year didn’t quite go as hoped for cycling star Wout van Aert. The Belgian was able to win bronze in the time trial at the Olympic Games in Paris. Despite the medal, he also experienced setbacks and fell heavily twice. Only at the beginning of the year at the Dwars door Vlaanderen. He suffered a broken collarbone and several ribs. Four months ago, the 30-year-old crashed at the Vuelta a España. Since his knee injury, van Aert has not taken part in any competitions – until now.
As the Belgian TV station “Sporza” reports, the Visma – Lease a bike professional will be taking part in the cyclocross race in Loenhout/Belgium on Friday. There he would face his long-time rival Mathieu van der Poel from the Netherlands. In terms of sport, van Aert and van der Poel are rivals, but both get along very well in private life.
Van Aert had to postpone his comeback, which was originally planned for the beginning of the week, due to illness. Now the three-time cross country world champion is attempting his first competition since his fall at the Vuelta when he collided with a rock wall.
Wout van Aert is known as an all-rounder among cycling stars and has many skills. That’s why he signed a contract this year that had never been seen before in cycling. The Belgian can ride for Visam – Lease a bike for as long as he wants. While he was injured, he also took part in the Belgian edition of “The Masked Singer” (you can read more about his appearance as a squirrel here).