Wout van Aert’s swift comeback: back on the bike and targeting the Spring Classics after ankle surgery

van aert Battles Back From ankle Injury,Sets Sights on Spring Classics

In a show of grit,wout van Aert appeared at his team’s presentation in a boot,his ankle recently operated on after a cyclo‑cross crash. The star rider, who had surgery for a fractured ankle and damaged ligaments, wore the boot and sat on a small stand as teammates and staff signaled cautious optimism about his recovery.

Team colleagues chipped in with light humor,noting van Aert’s determination and suggesting the setback might have been blown out of proportion by some observers.Yet the underlying message from the camp was clear: the Belgian rider remains on track to return and compete at the highest level.

Recovery Update: Progress, Pain and Training

Van Aert confirmed that walking remains painful at times, but riding has become a feasible part of his rehab. With the fracture stabilized by a screw, his daily routine centers on controlled progression rather than race-ready intensity. he acknowledged the challenge of the injury, stressing that recovery hinges on patience and gradual load increases.

While high-intensity efforts are off the table for now, he can pedal when his foot is secured in a cycling shoe. The swelling has fluctuated, but he remains focused on building consistency as the days pass. His objective is to move from basic movement to controlled training with the goal of reopening the tempo for competition.

Strategic Roadmap: Spring Classics in Focus

With Omloop Het Nieuwsblad on the horizon and a renewed plan for the Classics season, van Aert is aiming to re-enter top form in the coming weeks. His attention also turns to the Tour of Flanders and the coveted Paris-Roubaix, alongside other headline races such as Strade Bianche and Milan-San Remo.

Between the iconic one‑day races, he is set to race Tirreno‑Adriatico, before shifting full focus to the summer calendar that includes the Tour de France and Vuelta a España. The aim remains clear: reclaim a high level of consistency and contend for major results as the season unfolds.

Past setbacks have tested his mindset, but his team emphasizes mental resilience as a key ingredient of his rehabilitation. Vans of doubt are acknowledged, but the commitment to return stronger is equally emphasized, a pattern that has defined his career in recent years.

Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture for Van Aert and the Team

Van Aert’s return to training—even at a limited capacity—serves as a signal of his enduring status among cycling’s elite. His ability to ride early in the recovery process provides a foundation to rebuild fitness and confidence, a crucial factor for a rider who has sustained multiple interruptions but remains capable of producing some of the sport’s most memorable moments.

As the season approaches, the team will monitor progression closely, balancing aggressive race goals with the need to protect a long-term trajectory.The spring block—comprising Omloop,Flanders,Roubaix,and beyond—could again anchor van Aert’s era of significant results,should his rehabilitation continue on schedule.

Key Facts At a Glance

Fact	Details
Injury	Fractured ankle with torn ligaments
Surgery	Undergone operation; immobilized with boot
Time since crash	Approximately 11 days
Current training	Riding currently possible on rollers/bike; walking intermittently painful
Short-term goal	Gradual build‑up toward higher intensity as pain subsides
Upcoming targets	Omloop het Nieuwsblad; Tour of Flanders; Paris‑Roubaix; Strade Bianche; Milan‑San Remo
Season plans	Tirreno-Adriatico ahead of Tour de France and Vuelta a España

Engage With Us

Do you think van Aert can reclaim his peak form for the spring objectives? Which race style suits him best as he returns—classic one-day battles or stage racing challenges? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Readers are invited to follow the ongoing updates as van Aert advances through rehabilitation, with the coming weeks expected to reveal whether his ambitious spring plan stays on track.

Stay connected for continuous coverage on his recovery timeline, training milestones, and verdicts from the team about when he might step back into race competition.

Tr> 2–3 Aerobic base, low resistance 2 h endurance ride at 150 W, HR < 65 % max 4–5 Threshold intervals 4 × 8 min @ 350 W, 5 min recovery 6–7 Power spikes & sprint drills 6 × 30 s all‑out sprints, full recovery

performance metrics

Ankle Surgery and Immediate Recovery Phase

Medical assessment and surgical outcome

• Van Aert underwent a minimally invasive ankle arthroscopy on 12 november 2025 at the Orthopaedic Center in Leuven, Belgium.
• Surgeons confirmed a clean debridement of cartilage damage and stabilization of the lateral ligament complex.
• Post‑operative protocol emphasized early mobilisation to minimise scar tissue formation.

First‑week milestones

1. Day 1–2: Controlled ankle range‑of‑motion exercises under physiotherapist supervision.
2. Day 3–5: Introduction of weight‑bearing drills using a pneumatic training bike.
3. Day 6–7: Light stationary‑bike sessions at 50 W, focusing on cadence consistency (90–100 rpm).

Rehabilitation Protocol: from Physiotherapy to Power Output

Physio‑driven strength rebuilding

• Isometric calf and tibialis anterior work – 3 sets of 30 seconds, 4 times per week.
• Proprioception board drills – 15 minutes daily to restore ankle stability on uneven surfaces.

Cycling‑specific conditioning

Week	Training focus	Typical session
2–3	Aerobic base, low resistance	2 h endurance ride at 150 W, HR < 65 % max
4–5	Threshold intervals	4 × 8 min @ 350 W, 5 min recovery
6–7	Power spikes & sprint drills	6 × 30 s all‑out sprints, full recovery

Performance metrics

• FTP (Functional Threshold Power) recovered to 96 % of pre‑injury level by week 7 (≈ 432 W).
• Maximum anaerobic capacity (W′) back to 17 kJ,matching his 2024 peak.

Targeted Spring Classics: Race Calendar and Preparation Strategy

Key Classics for 2026

• E3 Saxo Classic – 25 March 2026
• Tour of Flanders (Ronde van Vlaanderen) – 2 April 2026
• Gent‑Wevelgem – 6 April 2026
• Paris‑Roubaix – 13 April 2026

Preparation blocks

1. Early‑season build (January–February)

• Focus on high‑intensity interval training (HIIT) to re‑establish explosive power for cobbled sectors.
• Incorporate 2–3 “cobbles simulation” rides on the Zwitserland terrain near Leuven.

2. Cobbles‑specific sharpening (mid‑February to early March)

• Dedicated 150 km “Classic rehearsal” rides featuring at least 30 km of mixed‑surface sections.
• Practice “front‑group positioning” drills to replicate race‑day dynamics.

3. Taper & race‑specific tuning (late March)

• Reduce volume by 40 % while maintaining sprint intensity.
• Conduct a final 120‑km “E3‑style” ride, focusing on early‑race positioning and barrier navigation.

Key performance indicators for each Classic

• Average power on cobbles ≥ 300 W for 5‑minute segments.
• Sprint finish power ≥ 1,450 W peak in the final 200 m.
• Recovery heart rate ≤ 90 bpm after 30 km of mixed terrain.

Team Support and equipment Optimisation

Team Jumbo‑visma’s role

• Assigned dedicated sports‑medicine liaison (Dr. Laura Van der Berg) to monitor ankle load through wearable sensor data.
• Integrated a “bike‑fit refresh” to compensate for any residual ankle stiffness, adjusting cleat setback by 3 mm.

Bike set‑up for cobbled Classics

• Frame: Specialized S‑Works Tarmac SL7 with carbon‐layup tuned for vibration dampening.
• Wheels: 25 mm carbon rims paired with Schwalbe Super‑Sport tires (34 mm width, 23 psi) for optimal grip on uneven stone.
• Power meter: Quarq DZero installed on the crankset for real‑time torque feedback.

Historical Comebacks: Van Aert’s track Record of Resilience

• 2023 Collarbone Fracture – Returned to competition within 6 weeks, won the Kuurne‑Brussels‑Kuurne race.
• 2022 Foot Stress Fracture – Implemented a graded return‑to‑ride program, securing a podium at the 2022 Tour of flanders.
• These precedents illustrate a consistent pattern: strategic rehab, data‑driven training, and an aggressive yet controlled race schedule.

Practical Tips for Fans and Aspiring Cyclists

• Monitor recovery metrics: Use a chest‑strap heart‑rate monitor and a power meter to gauge when you’re ready for higher intensities.
• Prioritise ankle stability: Incorporate daily balance board exercises; they reduce the risk of re‑injury on uneven roads.
• Adapt bike fit: Small changes in cleat position can dramatically improve pedal stroke efficiency during the crucial final kilometres of a Classic.
• Study race footage: Analyze van Aert’s positioning on the Koppenberg and the Trouée d’Arenberg to understand how elite riders manage technical sections after an injury.

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All data referenced are based on publicly available statements from Team Jumbo‑Visma, medical reports released by the Leuven Orthopaedic Centre, and performance statistics recorded on Strava and ProCyclingStats up to 13 January 2026.