What a sad end to the Vuelta for Wout van Aert. The leader in the points and mountain classification fell heavily in a descent of the 16th stage. Our compatriot tried to continue his way, but soon had to throw in the towel. Visibly devastated, Van Aert got into the team car.
It all looked so good for Wout van Aert. At the beginning of this cursed 16th stage he had fallen, but Van Aert came out of that crash relatively unscathed and even fought his way into the leading group.
There he confirmed the images of the past few days: an eager Van Aert rode uphill whistling to the mountain points.
But on a wet descent, disaster struck. Once again. Felix Engelhardt, Van Aert’s predecessor, misjudged a slippery bend and rode into the scenery.
Van Aert could not avoid the slide of his predecessor and was a sitting duck. He also fell and the damage and impact now looked much greater.
Our compatriot got back on his bike, but quickly realized that something was wrong. He got off and stopped at his follow-up car. Only then did it become clear how badly Van Aert’s knee was damaged.
The fairy tale thus ends in a nightmare. Tastemaker Van Aert even indicated to his team leader that he was about to faint (“I feel myself spinning”) while he was waiting for the medical services.
Team manager Grischa Niermann gave a short update after the finish: “Wout was taken to hospital by ambulance and will be examined there.”
“We are of course sad that his Vuelta has come to an end in this way. We have not had much luck this season. We all sympathise with Wout.”
“What a shame. Guys,” our commentators responded to the images of a grimacing and head-shaking Wout van Aert. “What a downer.”
“Gone is the green. Gone are the spheres. Gone are stage wins and a 50th victory. There are still question marks.”
“And what about the European Championship and the World Cup? These are premature conclusions, but it is the reality.”
“I would almost dare to swear, but I’m not going to do it,” said José De Cauwer, summarizing the feelings of many cycling enthusiasts.
“It’s a shame anyway, but it’s also a shame that his physical condition is gone. He was back and he said he could have done even better.”
Van Aert had also fallen earlier in the stage
Related:
Tour of Spain
date start – finish type ride total winner leader
1
17/08 Lisbon – Oeiras
12 km
Brandon McNulty
2
18/08 Cascais – Ourem
194 km
Wout van Aert
3
19/08 Lousã – Castelo Branco
191,2 km
Wout van Aert
4
20/08 Plasencia – Villuercas Peak
170,4 km
Primož Roglic
5
21/08 Fountain of the Maestre – Seville
177 km
Primož Roglic
6
22/08 Jerez de la Frontera – Yunquera
185,5 km
Ben O’Connor
7
23/08 Archidona – Cordoba
179,2 km
Ben O’Connor
8
24/08 Ubeda – Cazorla
158,4 km
Ben O’Connor
9
25/08 Motril – Granada
178,2 km
Ben O’Connorrustdag 26/08
10
08/27 Pontareas – Bayonne
159,6 km
Ben O’Connor
11
28/08 Census – Census
164,2 km
Ben O’Connor
12
08/29 Orense – Manzaneda Mountain Station
137,4 km
Ben O’Connor
13
30/08 Lugo – Port of Ancares
175,6 km
Ben O’Connor
14
31/08 Villafranca del Bierzo – Villablino
200,4 km
Ben O’Connor
15
01/09 Infiesto – Black Skin
142,9 km
Ben O’Connorrustdag 02/09
16
03/09 Luanco – Lagos de Covadonga
181,3 km
Ben O’Connor
17
04/09 Arnuero – Santander
141,5 km
18
05/09 Vitoria-Gasteiz – Maeztu
179,3 km
19
06/09 Logroño – Alto de Moncalvillo
173,2 km
20
07/09 Villarcayo – White Peak
172 km
21
08/09 Madrid – Madrid
24,6 km
