Van Aert hopes to be back on the bike soon: "But a full recovery is my absolute priority"

On Saturday evening, for the first time after his severe crash in Dwars door Vlaanderen, Wout van Aert responded to what happened. In that race, the Visma | Lease a Bike rider, along with several other cyclists, fell at high speed, which led to Van Aert breaking his collarbone, breastbone and several ribs. It later turned out he also had a bruised lung.

However, Van Aert didn't seem to dwell on his misfortune for long. Early this week, he already managed to take a decent walk. "Nine days after the surgery and I'm starting to feel a bit like myself again," the Belgian states contentedly on his Instagram. He mentions little about a return to racing. The focus is on a full recovery. "I hope to be back on the bike soon, but at this moment, the complete healing of my wounds and broken bones is my absolute priority. I'm grateful for the extra time I can spend with my loved ones," Van Aert adds, not missing the silver lining.

Van Aert feels strengthened by all the support he has received over the past weeks. "I want to thank everyone who has taken care of me after my crash; my wife, children, family, friends, team, the doctors, nurses, therapists... But I cannot stress enough how overwhelming the support from all of you has been. I've never received so many messages, gifts and emails. This has made me smile more and suffer less."