📸 Van Aert takes first 'victory' on the bike in 2026, but photos of ankle fracture prove severity of the issue

One slip and - just like that - Wout van Aert’s cyclo-cross winter was over. The Belgian crashed the day after New Year’s Day during the treacherous snow cross in Mol, where the Visma | Lease a Bike rider suffered a small fracture in his ankle. Surgery followed, and once again Van Aert faced a lengthy rehabilitation process. Now, the first step has been taken: his first outdoor ride.

The organisation of the Exact Cross Mol could hardly believe their luck, with both Van Aert and world champion Mathieu van der Poel on the start list. The two heavyweights had already crossed swords earlier this cyclo-cross winter, but a true head-to-head battle had yet to materialise. In Mol, that initially looked unlikely once again.

Where Van Aert appeared the more confident rider in the opening phase, it was suddenly Van der Poel who accelerated away from his Belgian rival, helped by a weaker sand section from Van Aert. Still, the Belgian refused to give in. After a bike change and a crash from Van der Poel, Van Aert suddenly found himself back on the Dutchman’s wheel halfway through the race.

At last, it seemed as though the first real duel between the two stars was about to unfold. But another crash from Van Aert quickly put an end to those hopes. The Visma rider tried to continue for a while but eventually stepped off the bike. The diagnosis afterwards was grim: a small fracture in the ankle was confirmed. End of the cyclo-cross winter for Van Aert - and did it put his spring campaign at risk?

That was the question on everyone’s mind in the cycling world, but whether it will truly have consequences for the spring now seems unlikely. Especially after Van Aert has taken a first tangible step in his recovery. On Strava, the Belgian titled his activity ‘Won Monday’. The ride—his first outdoor outing since the crash—covered 33.39 kilometres at an average speed of 32.3 kilometres per hour, completed around his place of residence.

It is great to see Van Aert back on the bike, but make no mistake: the damage was significant. That is clear from an Instagram post by the Visma | Lease a Bike rider, in which he shares photos of his injury. His ankle looked like a tennis ball after the crash. He also posted an X-ray image, clearly showing the screw in his ankle. A serious injury, without question.