"I might never have been able to hold him. I realize that more and more every day" - Nathan Van Hooydonck credits baby son for helping him get through career-ending heart issues

Nathan van Hooydonck's career was brought to a premature end earlier this year after an incident that shocked the entire cycling world. Given the serious nature of what happened however, professional cycling has really been put into perspective.

It was whilst at the wheel of his car, alongside his heavily pregnant wife, that van Hooydonck suffered a cardiac arrest that resulted in a mass crash and the 27-year-old being resuscitated at the scene before spending time in a medically induced coma in critical condition. Thankfully, van Hooydonck was able to pull through, although his career in the peloton was brought to an end as he was fitted with an ICD.

“I don't really remember anything about the accident,” van Hooydonck reflects a month later in conversation with VTM News and Het Laatste Nieuws. “It was sad, because even before the doctors told me, I knew my career was over. It was a terrible week in the hospital, even though I received good help from the medical staff and especially my family, who were there every day.”

Just a couple of days after he announced his retirement, van Hooydonck's partner gave birth to their baby son Alessio. This helped the Belgian put his professional disappointment into perspective. “I realize very well that I might never have been able to hold him. I realize that more and more every day."