"We heard at the foot of the final climb that Nathan is awake again and feels reasonably okay" - Attila Valter reveals Jumbo-Visma were getting updates on Nathan Van Hooydonck during stage 16 of La Vuelta

Jumbo-Visma's dominance over the 2023 Vuelta a Espana continued with Jonas Vingegaard taking the win on stage 16 in another impressive display. Attila Valter has revealed though, that ahead of the final climb, the team were given a positive update on teammate Nathan Van Hooydonck.

“It is a day to remember, one with mixed feelings," Valter revealed in his post-stage interview, referencing the news that broke earlier today that Van Hooydonck was in hospital in a critical condition after a serious car accident. "In the end it all turns out very well. We heard at the foot of the final climb that Nathan is awake again and feels reasonably okay."

That positive update on the Belgian's condition will be a big relief for not just the Jumbo-Visma riders and staff but also the entirety of the cycling world. Receiving this news though, did give the riders a boost as they took on the final climb.

“We already wanted to ride for the stage win today, but then we heard the news from Nathan and there were mixed feelings. But we had to switch things up," Valter explains. "We hoped to win the stage for Nathan. I don't know yet whether he is already watching the Vuelta, but I hope he can do so again soon. This victory is for him. Everyone gave 110% today. It's nice that we can honor him today.”