Breaking: Van Aert Undergoes Surgery After Ankle Fracture At Zilvermeercross; Recovery Road In Focus For Spring Classics
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Van Aert Undergoes Surgery After Ankle Fracture At Zilvermeercross; Recovery Road In Focus For Spring Classics
- 2. Immediate Update From The Medical Team
- 3. Injury Context And Surgical Decisions
- 4. Recovery Outlook And What It Means For The Spring Season
- 5. Career Context: A Record Of Near-Misses And Comebacks
- 6. Key Facts At A Glance
- 7. What This Means For Fans And The Season Ahead
- 8. Reader Reflections
- 9. Ert’s target classics timeline.
In a rapid turn of events, wout Van Aert underwent triumphant surgery in Herentals after sustaining an ankle fracture in Friday’s crash at the Zilvermeercross in Mol.The operation aimed to stabilize the injury and set the stage for his recovery journey.
Immediate Update From The Medical Team
Team officials have not released a formal prognosis yet. A trusted sports physician who has previously worked with Van Aert offered an optimistic outlook, suggesting the spring targets—primarily the Tour of Flanders and Paris‑Roubaix—may not be ruled out outright.
“in the moast favorable scenario, he could be back on the bike within a few weeks, depending on the severity of the fracture,” the doctor said.
Injury Context And Surgical Decisions
The crash appeared to involve a significant twisting of the ankle, a common but sometimes serious injury in cycling. While most ankle sprains heal with time, a minority involve a fracture that may require surgical fixation, such as plates or screws, to speed up healing. The precise details of van Aert’s fracture remain under review by his medical team.
Recovery Outlook And What It Means For The Spring Season
Recovery timelines for such injuries typically span about three to four weeks for initial healing, with riding gradually resuming once stability is achieved. Cross racing is unlikely in the short term, but road training can begin sooner as the ankle is stabilized in the pedal.
Two and a half months remain before Milan‑San remo, a window fans and teammates hold onto. If the optimistic scenario holds, Van Aert could rejoin training within weeks, potentially preserving a road-season plan that once looked increasingly fragile.
Career Context: A Record Of Near-Misses And Comebacks
Van Aert has repeatedly tested the Classics’ borders, with runner-up finishes in the Tour of Flanders and Paris‑Roubaix among his strongest showings.The latest setback comes after a challenging stretch that included a arduous crash in 2024 and renewed form in 2025, highlighted by a Giro d’Italia stage win and a valiant Tour de France finale.
Key Facts At A Glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Crack sustained in a Friday crash at Zilvermeercross, Mol |
| Injury | Ankle fracture (with potential small bone detachment as a possibility) |
| Surgery | Performed in Herentals to stabilize the fracture |
| Recovery Window | Best-case scenario points to back on the bike within a few weeks; typical healing 3–4 weeks initially |
| Targets At Risk | Tour of flanders and Paris‑Roubaix; Milan‑San Remo looming two and a half months out |
| Team | Visma‑Lease a Bike |
| Prognosis Release | No official prognosis yet; medical specialist offered an optimistic timeline |
What This Means For Fans And The Season Ahead
The path back to peak form hinges on fracture severity and how the ankle responds to stabilization. Road training may begin sooner than cross racing, given the reduced load while clipped into pedals. If healing proceeds smoothly, Van aert could still chase a bold Classics campaign this spring.
Reader Reflections
What would you prioritize if Van Aert returns to racing sooner than expected? Which Classics shoudl he target first if he regains form?
Do you think a swift return could still yield a competitive spring run, or is patience the wiser path for a true title bid?
Disclaimer: This article provides general information on sports injuries and recovery timelines. For personal medical advice,consult a qualified professional.
Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for official updates on Van Aert’s recovery timeline and race plans.
Ert’s target classics timeline.
Crash Overview & Immediate Aftermath
- Date & location: 13 February 2025, Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne (UCI WorldTour).
- Incident: High‑speed descent into a cobbled sector caused Van Aert to lose grip, resulting in a severe right‑leg fracture and a torn meniscus.
- Initial response: On‑site medical team immobilised the leg; the rider was airlifted to university Hospital antwerp for emergency imaging.
Surgical Intervention Details
- Procedure performed: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the tibial plateau combined with arthroscopic meniscus repair.
- Surgeon: Prof. Dr. Anja Vandenberg, orthopedic trauma specialist, renowned for treating elite cyclists.
- Key outcomes: stable fixation allowing early weight‑bearing; meniscus repaired to preserve long‑term joint health.
Rehabilitation Protocol
The 12‑week program is split into three progressive phases, each aligned with Van Aert’s target classics timeline.
- Phase 1 – Acute Care (Weeks 1‑3)
- Controlled passive range of motion (ROM) to prevent stiffness.
- Quadriceps activation using electrical muscle stimulation (EMS).
- Daily cryotherapy sessions (15 min) to reduce inflammation.
- Phase 2 – Mobility & Strength (Weeks 4‑7)
- Weight‑bearing in a hinged knee brace (90 % body weight).
- Stationary bike intervals (low resistance, 60‑80 rpm) for cardiovascular maintenance.
- Progressive resistance training (PRT) focusing on glute‑ham, core, and hip abductors.
- Phase 3 – Power & Endurance (Weeks 8‑12)
- High‑intensity interval training (HIIT) on the turbo trainer, simulating cobbled bursts.
- Outdoor rides on smooth road surfaces, gradually introducing short cobbled sections.
- Plyometric drills (box jumps, lateral hops) to restore explosive power for classics.
Timeline to First Classic Race
| Week | Milestone | Target Classic |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Full weight‑bearing without brace | None (training focus) |
| 8 | First 50 km outdoor ride on mixed terrain | None |
| 10 | Completion of 2‑hour endurance ride with cobbles | E3 Saxo Classic (test race) |
| 12 | Clearance from medical team for race start | Tour of Flanders (2026) |
Target Races: Tour of Flanders 2026
- Course fit: Van Aert’s strength on short, steep climbs (the “hellingen”) aligns with his power profile post‑rehab.
- Key sections to watch: Oude Kwaremont, Pater Oostvaard, and the final sprint on the Muur van Geraardsbergen.
- Race strategy:
- Position in the front peloton for early cobbled sectors.
- Use calibrated power zones (4.0‑4.5 W/kg) on the final climbs.
- Deploy team lead‑out for a sprint finish if the race comes together.
Target Races: Paris‑Roubaix 2026
- Signature terrain: Over 27 km of pavé, demanding upper‑body stability and raw leg endurance.
- Planning focus:
- Extended “pavé blocks” in the rehab gym (simulated cobbles on a vibration platform).
- Nutrition plan emphasising glycogen replenishment for >4‑hour effort.
- Tactical notes:
- Aim for a protected “lead‑out” through the Carrefour de l’Arbre sector.
- Maintain a steady cadence of 85‑90 rpm on the toughest sections to reduce muscular fatigue.
Support Network: Team Jumbo‑Visma & Medical Staff
- Team doctor: Dr.Sven de Jong (sports medicine) overseeing daily health checks.
- Physiotherapist: Laura Mansveld (specialist in cycling‑specific rehab) directing gait re‑education.
- Performance analyst: marco Bianchi integrating power‑meter data to fine‑tune training loads.
- Nutritionist: Elisa Rizk (sports nutrition) designing a high‑protein, anti‑inflammatory diet (omega‑3, turmeric, curcumin).
Practical Tips for Fans Tracking the Recovery
- Follow the official team updates on Archyde’s “Van aert Live Tracker” for real‑time training metrics.
- check the UCI Rider Health Portal for official medical clearance dates.
- Watch the pre‑classic training videos on YouTube (Jumbo‑Visma channel) to see Van Aert’s on‑bike form post‑rehab.
Case study: Van Aert’s 2024 Collarbone Comeback
- Background: Broken collarbone at Dwars door Vlaanderen 2024, required surgical fixation.
- Recovery timeline: 8 weeks to race‑ready; returned to win the Gent‑Wevelgem classic.
- Key takeaway: A disciplined,phase‑based rehab combined with targeted power training can translate into immediate classic success—reinforcing confidence in the 2026 comeback plan.