Van Aert’s road season reset: recovery is the new race plan
After a crash-forced ankle surgery, Wout van Aert shifts his focus from cyclocross chaos to a calculated road-season reset – where recovery, patience, and timing matter more than results.
Allez TL;DR
Wout van Aert has undergone successful ankle surgery after a crash at Exact Cross Mol. His immediate focus shifts firmly from cyclocross battles to road season preparation.
Story
Wout van Aert’s recent crash at the Exact Cross event in Mol forced an abrupt and unwelcome pause to his cyclocross campaign. The Belgian star has since undergone surgery on his injured ankle, a procedure reported as successful. Despite the setback, Van Aert remains clear-headed about his priorities: recovery comes first, followed by a strategic build-up to the road races that define much of his calendar.
This moment underscores the brutal reality behind the glamour of cycling’s crossover riders. Van Aert, who consistently blurs the lines between cyclocross and the WorldTour, now faces the challenge of balancing rehab with maintaining peak fitness. His remarks emphasize patience and pragmatism–qualities as crucial as his raw power on the bike.
Why it matters
Van Aert is not just any rider; he’s a pivotal figure in both cyclocross and road cycling scenes. His injury and consequent withdrawal from cyclocross races mark a notable shift in the competitive landscape. Rivals will seize the opportunity to fill the void, but the real story is how Van Aert manages his comeback. If he plays his cards right, he could emerge even stronger for the road season, targeting classics and Grand Tours with renewed focus and health.
What to watch next
Keep an eye on Van Aert’s rehabilitation progress and his early season races to gauge how well he’s managed this detour.
Not every race is won on the bike. Sometimes, the smartest sprint starts with smart recovery. Allez!