Shock after a serious accident
Vingegaard’s noble helper has to end his career
September 20, 2023, 7:32 p.m
Belgian professional cyclist Nathan Van Hooydonck ends his career at the age of just 27 due to heart problems. Jonas Vingegaard and Primoz Roglic’s helper suffered a faint attack while driving last week and caused a serious accident.
Professional cyclist Nathan Van Hooydonck, who helped Jonas Vingegaard’s second Tour de France victory in July, has to end his career due to a heart muscle anomaly. This was announced by his racing team Jumbo-Visma. The 27-year-old caused a serious traffic accident last week when he felt unwell behind the wheel and then had to be resuscitated. After he was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, doctors fitted him with an internal defibrillator.
“I realize that I was incredibly lucky,” said Van Hooydonck: “It might have turned out differently if I hadn’t gotten good help so quickly. I’m fine, but I still have to come to terms with the fact that this is the end of my professional career.” Several cars were damaged in the accident in Kalmthout near Antwerp. His pregnant wife was sitting next to van Hooydonck in the car, but she was uninjured. “Everything is going well with Alicia and the pregnancy and we are looking forward to the birth. That really helps me now,” added van Hooydonck.
His team had heard the shocking news of the accident and resuscitation during the Vuelta. When it was clear that her colleague would survive, Jumbo-Visma dedicated the stage win on the 16th section to Van Hooydonck. Tour champion Vingegaard, the winner, said afterwards: “I’m just happy to have won. There was terrible news, I wanted to win for my friend. Luckily there is good news.” His helper Attila Valter said: “We heard on the team radio at the foot of the final climb that Nathan was awake and doing well. In the end everything is fine. We won the stage for Nathan, this victory is his.”