"Nathan has to quit cycling, but he can continue living. That's the most crucial thing" - Edoardo Affini shares his relief as Van Hooydonck announces retirement

The news of Nathan Van Hooydonck being involved in a serious car accident shocked the cycling world last week. As more details have emerged and Van Hoodonck's recovery begins, he has been fitted with an ICD meaning his professional career is over.

For the Belgian's Jumbo-Visma teammates, it was a shocking turn of events, as Edoardo Affini recalls in quotes collected by IDL Pro Cycling. "When I heard about Nathan's situation, I was in the car. I was reading a message from Wout in our WhatsApp group with the riders, and I saw 'accident Nathan,' so I immediately stopped the car and began reading the entire message," says Affini. "It was a profound shock. I was deeply saddened by the news."

As many have mentioned, the incident has really put cycling into perspective for a lot of riders. "Above all, I hoped that he would survive. Cycling is important, but it's not everything," Affini explains. "It's our sport, our passion, and a significant part of our lives, but it's not life itself. His wife is expecting a baby, so I was also relieved to hear the final news that his wife and baby were safe, and things are going somewhat okay. Nathan has to quit cycling, but he can continue living. That's the most crucial thing."

"I've raced alongside Nathan on numerous occasions. We always had a strong connection. Just 48 hours before the accident, we were still celebrating our performance in the Tour of Britain," Affini concludes. "The night before, we were texting each other about how things went, and then the next day, he's in critical condition in the hospital... There's nothing you can do; you feel utterly helpless."