Wout Van Aert, the Belgian cyclist for Jumbo-Visma, was hospitalized with a severe infection that risked sepsis, forcing him to withdraw from the Tour de France, according to multiple reports. The 29-year-old, a key contender in the 2023 race, faced critical conditions that required immediate medical attention, marking a significant setback for both his career and his team’s ambitions.
What Happened?
Van Aert’s injury occurred during a stage of the Tour de France, though the exact circumstances remain unclear. According to Bicisport, the cyclist was hospitalized with an infection that escalated rapidly, leading to concerns about sepsis. “The situation was extremely grave,” Van Aert reportedly said in a statement shared by ANSA. His team confirmed the severity of the infection, describing it as a “life-threatening” complication that required urgent treatment.
Jumbo-Visma released a statement on Friday, acknowledging the “critical” nature of Van Aert’s condition. “Wout has been in the hospital since [date], and his infection has required intensive care. The medical team is working tirelessly to stabilize him,” the statement read. The team did not specify the location of the hospital or the exact stage of the Tour where the incident occurred.
Other reports, including those from eurosport.it and La Gazzetta dello Sport, echoed similar details. eurosport.it cited medical sources indicating that Van Aert’s infection originated from a minor injury sustained during a crash, which later became infected. “The infection spread quickly, and his condition deteriorated within hours,” a medical expert told the outlet. La Gazzetta dello Sport added that Van Aert’s team had initially attempted to manage the issue on the road but opted for hospitalization when
