The Belgian pro, age 29, suffered deep cuts on his right elbow and knee, which were visibly bleeding as he received medical attention in his team car. Despite an initial attempt to persevere, he was forced to withdraw from the race. The incident was part of a broader pattern of falls affecting multiple riders due to the slick road conditions.
Visma-Lease a Bike’s Sports director Grischa Niermann said: “Wout was taken to hospital by ambulance. There he will undergo examinations. Of course we are so sad seeing him leave the Vuelta in this manner. Luck has not been on our side this season. We all feel for him.”
Before the crash, Van Aert had been performing exceptionally in the race. He was actively leading the peloton on this mountainous stage from Luanco to Lagos de Covadonga, and had launched several attacks throughout the day. His aggressive strategy had paid off earlier in the Vuelta; he claimed three stage victories and achieved four additional podium finishes. His consistent performance also had him donning the Škoda Green Jersey for an extended period.
Van Aert’s victories included a sprint finish in Castelo Blanco on stage three, a sprint at the end of a large lead group on stage seven in Cordoba, and a dramatic finish on the mountainous stage 10 in Baiona, where he outpaced his breakaway companion Quentin Pacher of Groupama-FDJ.
This crash is another setback in a season marred by misfortune and injuries for Van Aert, including an earlier crash at Dwars Door Vlaanderen in March. After recovering to claim a bronze in the time trial at the Paris Olympics during the Tour de France, his latest fall casts uncertainty on his upcoming participation at the World Championship in Zurich on September 29.
