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Wout van Aert's Vuelta a Espana dream shattered as crash ends green and polka dot jersey bid
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Updated 03/09/2024 at 16:14 GMT+1
In a dramatic turn of events at the Vuelta a Espana, Wout van Aert was forced to withdraw from the race after a nasty crash on a wet descent during Stage 16. The Belgian rider, who was leading both the points and mountains classifications, was one of three riders to go down on the same corner. It is a huge blow for Van Aert, who had made a stunning return to form at the Vuelta.
'He's done' - Van Aert crashes out of Vuelta on slippery descent
Video credit: TNT Sports
Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) crashed out of the Vuelta a Espana on Stage 16 as his hopes of walking away with the green and polka dot jerseys ended dramatically.
Van Aert was navigating a slippery descent on Tuesday's run to Lagos de Covadonga when fellow breakaway rider Felix Engelhardt (Jayco–AlUla) lost control, causing his back wheel to skid. Van Aert, attempting to avoid a collision, hit the brakes but was unable to maintain control, sending him careering into the rocky roadside.
Initially, it appeared the damage was not too severe as Van Aert resumed racing. But after gingerly continuing down the descent, Van Aert pulled to the curb and hobbled to his Visma team car, where TV pictures captured a badly bloodied right knee and right arm.
He was treated at the car by race medics, but Visma soon confirmed their star rider had abandoned the race.
It is a grim outcome for Van Aert, who ended a six-month wait for victory on Stage 3 after an injury-interrupted season.
The 29-year-old had control of the points classification after taking two more stage victories, while he was also a surprise frontrunner in the mountains classification.
His exit means Kaden Groves (Alpecin–Deceuninck) and Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates) take over top spot in those competitions respectively.
Stream the Vuelta a Espana live on discovery+
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