"Three months for a full return to competition": Wout van Aert’s recovery may be far longer than initially expected

Wout van Aert may be forced to remain out of competition for almost three months following surgery to address what was initially described as a “small fracture” sustained during the cyclocross race in Mol, where he had been riding strongly in direct contention with Mathieu van der Poel.

“Of course I am very disappointed to have to end my cyclocross season like this,” Van Aert said a few days ago in an official statement. “I was feeling better and better, including today in Mol. I was really looking forward to the race in Zonhoven and the Belgian Championships. But my focus will now be on recovery and, later on, the preparation of the road season.”

Visma | Lease a Bike has not given a precise timeline for Van Aert’s return so far, just confirming the end of his cyclocross season and his intention to shift focus to the road. That communication was seen with optimism, believing the recovery should be quick and Van Aert would not miss any road race.

However, the outlook might be quite the opposite of what was initially thought. Van Aert underwent a sucessful ankle surgery a few days ago, described by local medical sources as “an articular but simple fracture, operated with osteosynthesis.”

Even if this type of procedure allows for improved mobility and can reduce recovery times, it does not appear compatible with the previously suggested scenario of just two weeks of rest before resuming training on the rollers.

Speaking to L’Équipe, orthopedic surgeon and trauma specialist Gilbert Versier explained: “Complete bone consolidation requires six to eight weeks, with complete immobilisation using a cast or brace for one month. Weight-bearing and walking can resume after four to six weeks, while rollers can be used from six weeks, sometimes four if the fracture heals favourably.”

According to Versier, returning to road training would take "around two months, and three for a full return to competition. Cycling is a sport that does not involve full body weight-bearing, so returning to pedalling is a form of rehabilitation,” he explained. "A comeback for the Northern Classics and the Ardennes should be possible without problems," but likely not earlier, meaning Van Aert would miss all preparatory races.

A more optimistic assessment was offered by Mathieu Le Strat, current doctor of Groupama - FDJ, who treated Kévin Vauquelin’s ankle last year when both were at the now defunct Arkéa-B&B Hotels. “I think Van Aert can get back on the bike a little before one month; I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on the rollers within three weeks,” he said.

Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad has reported that Van Aert will attend the team’s training camp in Spain, which is seen as a positive sign, although that does not imply he will be training with his teammates.

Visma | Lease a Bike, meanwhile, has not provided official details yet. They are expected next week, specifically on 13 January, during the team’s official presentation in La Nucía, with CyclingUpToDate on-site to cover the event.