From three fractures in his back to sixth at Kuurne in a month: the unbelievable story of Laurenz Rex

Van Baarle’s story is already well known: at Visma | Lease a Bike, the former Dutch champion never truly found his place and spent far too much time sidelined by injury. A fresh start at Soudal Quick-Step was meant to bring better fortune. Rex also joined the Wolfpack this winter, but at the AlUla Tour he was involved in a heavy crash at around 100 km/h. He suffered three fractures in his back.

That’s why it was described as a minor miracle when he lined up for Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne just a month later. In the race, Van Baarle was the first to make his mark, attacking in emphatic style and animating the finale. But his Belgian team-mate also forced his way into the action after Magnier punctured. A sprint could not be prevented, but Rex still powered his way to an excellent sixth place.

And that is genuinely impressive. “I’m really happy,” Rex beamed in the flash interview. “This morning there was still a question mark over how my back would cope. I was quite scared, because it was hectic and there were a lot of crashes, but at some point I knew I had to switch off those doubts and just go for it. After that, I could race like I normally do again.”

Rex’s turnaround is remarkable. “I felt strong, and the team was good. Four weeks ago I was on the ground with a broken back, but this result gives me wings and confidence for the future. I couldn’t ride for a week because of the crash. I had to do extra training, but in the coming races the shape will get better and better. I hope the impact wasn’t too big.”

Was his back still bothering him? “Not really. The back held up, and the muscles didn’t hurt. Maybe tomorrow I’ll be a bit stiff, but then there’s no race I have to ride.”

Rex won Le Samyn in 2024, but he will not be on the start line for the Belgian semi-classic on Monday. Still, Soudal Quick-Step will be delighted with their new Classics addition to the squad.