Belgian professional cyclist Stan Dewulf has broken his left elbow following a hit-and-run incident during a training camp in France, prompting renewed calls from riders for greater road safety and mutual respect from motorists. The incident, which occurred while the AG2R Citroën (now Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) rider was out training, highlights a growing sense of alarm among professional peloton members regarding aggressive driving behaviors on public roads.
A Suspicious Crash and Sudden Sidelining in France
Stan Dewulf sustained a broken left elbow during what he described as a suspicious accident and subsequent hit-and-run while preparing for the upcoming racing season in France. According to statements released by the rider and reported across multiple sports outlets, the crash left him sidelined and deeply frustrated by the recurring hostility cyclists face from drivers. Fellow Belgian star Wout van Aert also narrowly avoided a serious collision during training around the same period, underscoring a wider safety crisis that has left top athletes shaken.
Rising Hostility and Regular Close-Calls on Open Roads
Professional riders spend months training on open roads, making them vulnerable to distracted or aggressive motorists. Dewulf voiced his disbelief at the hostility directed toward athletes simply sharing the pavement, noting that such dangerous encounters have become alarmingly frequent.
“We are seeing this happen more and more often,” Dewulf stated in interviews following the crash. The sentiment was echoed across the cycling community, where teammates and competitors alike have reported near-misses on a regular basis.
Wout Van Aert and Training Groups Shaken by Terror
The dangers extend beyond individual injuries. Wout van Aert and members of his training group experienced a similarly terrifying encounter on the road, escaping a major crash by a narrow margin.
Elbow Recovery and the Push for Legal Protection
For Stan Dewulf, the immediate focus shifts to orthopedic recovery and rehabilitation following the fracture to his left elbow, which disrupts his early-season build-up. Share your thoughts on how road safety for cyclists can be improved in the comments below.
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