Wout Van Aert Exits Vuelta, Marking a Shattering Moment in His Cycling Year

Wout Van Aert's Painful Departure from Vuelta

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Wout Van Aert has exited the Vuelta after crashing in the sixteenth stage, won by Marc Soler. The Belgian endured injuries to his knee and arm, necessitating immediate medical attention. Team leader Grischa Niermann confirmed the cyclist's transfer to the hospital for further examination.

Primoz Roglic tried to seize the overall lead but fell short, trailing Ben O'Connor by just five seconds. It was a day marked by both Van Aert's injury and Roglic's tactical challenges. Earlier in his campaign, Van Aert showcased his remarkable form, securing three stage victories and leading the green point classification. However, this latest mishap contributes another chapter to his tumultuous season, which began with a series of unfortunate events after suffering multiple fractures in a fall at Dwars door Vlaanderen.

Details of the Race

After a rest day, the riders faced a tough mountain stage from Luanco to Lagos de Covadonga. The stage featured challenging climbs, including Mirador del Fito and Collada Llomena, where Van Aert proved his climbing abilities until a fall fifty kilometers from the finish took him out of contention.

The Kopgroep, once strong, dwindled after Van Aert's crash, handing over the leadership in both the points and mountain classifications. Kaden Groves and Jay Vine now occupy those top spots. The remaining stages of the Vuelta will continue to unfold live on NOS, promising excitement despite Van Aert's unfortunate departure.