Jonas Rickaert (Alpecin-Deceuninck) is again making a comeback after a second operation on a pinched femoral artery. “I hope that I can compete again at the end of March or the beginning of April. I am motivated to make the best of it again,” says the sprint pilot from his winter internship in Spain.
Jonas Rickaert (28) had become one of the best sprint locomotives in the world until a pinched femoral artery caused misery last season.
An operation in June seemed successful at first glance. But after a few months of competition, the problem reared its ugly head again.
“Investigations then showed that there was still a kink in my femoral artery,” Rickaert tells his story.
“It was either stop or undergo another operation. Then you just choose your job and take the risks.”
On December 1, Rickaert was on the operating table for the 2nd time. “According to the doctors, the operation was successful. But it is difficult to say whether it is all over.”
“I still feel super stiff every day. But that would be because of my daily fitness exercises, the doctors say.”
“My 1st training the day before yesterday was very confrontational”
How is Rickaert’s rehabilitation progressing? “I’ve been cycling again for a week and a half.”
“The day before yesterday I rode outside for the first time and did 50 kilometers. It’s
very confrontational: my wattages are okay, but my heart rate is skyrocketing.
That’s how I notice that I’ve really come a long way.”
“But I also see myself changing every day and my body getting stronger. That is
the positive of the story.”
My biggest goal is to make the Tour roster. That would mean it’s all over.
When will Rickaert be seen racing next season? “I personally hope at the end of March, beginning of April.”
“The team might want that to be a little earlier. But I don’t assume that. I just want to take it easy, because last time I may have returned a little too quickly.”
Rickaert has already colored the month of July in red. My biggest goal is to Tour selection and I think that is achievable.”
“A Tour participation would be a nice victory for me. That would mean it’s all over.”
