Wout van Aert made one small ‘child step’ in his rehabilitation from a knee damage that knocked him out of the Vuelta a España whereas main each the factors and mountains classification. On Wednesday, he walked 2.74 kilometres together with his companion Sarah De Bie and proudly posted his file to Strava.
Van Aert crashed on a moist descent on stage 16 to Lagos de Covadonga on September 3 and suffered a bruised bone close to his knee, an damage that referred to as an early finish to his season, forcing him to overlook the UCI Road World Championships.
It was the second main blow of the season for the Belgian, who crashed in the course of the Dwars door Vlaanderen in March and suffered a number of fractures that excluded him from the remainder of the Spring Classics and the Giro d’Italia, which was to be his primary aim of the season.
Van Aert returned in time for the Tour de France however was shut out of any stage wins, coming third within the opening stage and second within the sprints on phases 12 and 13. A bronze medal within the Olympic Games time trial signalled his return to prime type and he gained three phases of the Vuelta a España earlier than crashing out.
Last week, he informed Dernier Heure that dealing with one other rehabilitation was been tough however he seemed on the brilliant facet. “I can take away loads of positives from this season, I’ve gained Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, completed third in Het Nieuwsblad and E3,” Van Aert stated.
“I believe my type within the Vuelta was the most effective for the reason that 2022 Tour de France. That’s all essential mentally and for additional down the road.
“It’s necessary to relativize every part, it isn’t been my greatest season, and I’ve had loads of setbacks. But I’m very pleased with what I may do.”
Visma-Lease a Bike will need to have agreed as a result of they prolonged an open-ended contract to Van Aert that may final till he decides to retire.
“The staff took the initiative and confirmed confidence in breaking open my contract,” Van Aert stated final week. “For me, there was little doubt: I wished to increase.
“But I’ve additionally turned 30 within the meantime. Then you ask your self the query: how lengthy do I need to proceed as a rider? That’s how we determined collectively to not put an finish date on my profession and to make a long-term dedication. I believe that is actually cool and I’m very pleased with it.
“I by no means have to fret about contracts or transfers once more. I do know the staff and the way in which it really works inside and outside. From now on it is simply biking for me.”
