The race in Mol ended in the worst possible way for Wout van Aert, and his cyclocross season is officially over due to a small ankle fracture. In a turn, the Belgian lost control of his bike and was forced to put his foot down, ending up on the snow covering the race course. Initially, it was thought to be a sprain, but further tests revealed a small fracture. After the incident, the ankle immediately appeared swollen, and Wout van Aert thought it was a sprained ankle, without imagining the possibility of a small fracture. He will be operated on tomorrow, after which he will focus on recovery. Unfortunately, this means his cyclocross season is over.
"Of course, I am very disappointed to have to end my cyclocross season like this," Van Aert said. "I was feeling better and better, even today in Mol. I was looking forward to racing in Zonhoven and the Belgian Championships. But now I will focus on recovery and, later, on preparing for the road season."