Wout van Aert’s new year began in a less than optimal way. A tough crash during the snowy Zilvermeercross in Mol forced the Belgian to abandon the race. He and world champion Mathieu van der Poel were having an amazing duel–the first in some time, when he hit the deck on a slipper corner.
After a trip to the hospital, tests revealed an ankle fracture. That brought his short ‘cross season to an abrupt end. The immediate concern, however, goes beyond winter racing: what does this mean for Van Aert’s spring Classics campaign?
The rehab process
According to sports physician Tom Teulingkx, who has worked with Van Aert in the past, the outlook may not be as worrying as it first appears. Speaking to Sporza, Teulingkx explained that ankle fractures are more commonly seen in sports like football or volleyball, but they can happen to cyclists as well.
“In these kinds of crashes, you often see a severe ankle distortion,” Teulingkx said. “That type of injury is actually one of the most common in sport.”
The ankle is supported by a complex network of ligaments, he explained and when those are overstretched or torn, swelling usually follows. In a smaller number of cases, that trauma also results in a fracture. Teulingkx noted that if the damage is limited — for example, a small piece of bone breaking away — surgical fixation with a plate or screw can speed up recovery, similar to how collarbone fractures are often treated.
Surgery expected shortly
The exact severity of Van Aert’s injury should become clearer after surgery in Herentals, scheduled for Saturday. Until then, timelines remain uncertain. Still, Teulingkx suggested that a typical recovery from a twisted ankle often takes around three to four weeks.
That is also why continuing his CX campaign was never realistic. “In ‘cross you have to of course run regularly, which puts enormous stress on the ankle,” he said to Sporza.
Road cycling, however, is a different story. With the foot fixed in the pedal and far less impact involved, the ankle can be protected more effectively during rehabilitation.
“If everything goes well, he could be back on the bike within a few weeks,” Teulingkx said. “I don’t think his spring on the road will necessarily be compromised.”
For now, patience is key — but Van Aert’s Classics ambitions remain very much alive. Still, a bummer another crash has sidelined his racing season.