Belgian legend Dirk De Wolf (64) requires surgery after a heavy fall in Tenerife

The year 2026 has begun. But for some, the start of a new year has been rough, such as the 1992 Liege-Bastogne-Liege champion Dirk De Wolf. The 64-year-old retired from professional cycling more than three decades ago, however still maintains a great fitness level. For that reason, he typically spends the first months of the year in Tenerife  – a destination with far more welcoming weather than his home Belgium in winter.

However the end of 2025 ended on a low for the 1990 World Championship runner-up who suffered a heavy fall on the final day of the year in Tenerife, Ruben Van Gucht announced during the Sven Nys Grand Prix in Baal. "While we're working on our New Year's greetings, we also extend our best wishes to Dirk De Wolf. Unfortunately, the year ended on a sad note for him."

According to the journalist, De Wolf suffered "a broken knee. The patella... He'll have surgery tomorrow (Friday). He was incredibly sharp. A lot of courage."

"Hopefully, we can help clear our minds a bit with a pleasant afternoon of cross-country racing," concluded Van Gucht on Sporza Live ahead of the Sven Nys Grand Prix.