Wout van Aert finally out of the hospital

It has been a long week for Wout van Aert. Starting the Vuelta a España on Tuesday he was in the lead of the points and KOM classifications; and was in the breakaway seeking to seal them. What followed was a string of days spent in the hospital, which the Belgian only left this Sunday afternoon.

Tuesday's crash on stage 16 of the Spanish race, whilst coming down the Collada Llomena, was more damaging than what it initially seemed. The Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider even managed to get on the bike seconds after the fall but shortly afterwards stopped once again, not being able to pedal. After a few minutes on the side of the road the decision was taken, and understandably so.

As the week progressed it seemed increasingly obvious that van Aert could not continue the race. Besides the amount of road rash, the wound in his knee was deep and was also dirty as he crashed into rocks on the side of the road.

Whilst van Aert was in the hospital, his family doctor detailed the situation in words to Sporza: "It’s not a superficial wound. The wound almost goes into the joint and is very dirty. The risk of an infection is too great. That’s why antibiotics are currently useful and necessary". Hence, the Belgian had to lay in a hospital room in Spain throughout the rest of the Spanish Grand Tour which he was forced to abandon from.

The Dutch team confirmed as well that he has officially ended his road season, as it is unrealistic that he is able to return to training in time to prepare for his initial goals - the European and World Championships now in September. His return will only likely come in the Cyclocross season, but Het Nieuwsblad has confirmed that he left the hospital this Sunday and will continue his recovery at home.

"Wout van Aert has left the hospital and will continue his revalidation at home. After winning three stages, leading the points and mountain classification and wearing the red jersey for two days, Wout can look back at an epic Vuelta. We know Wout will be back. For now, we wish him a speedy rehabilitation, taking the time he needs to fully recover."