- Nathan van Hooydonck was involved in a six-vehicle accident in Belgium
- His Jumbo-Visma team has confirmed that the health situation of the cyclists is ‘not critical’
- Jonas Vingegaard has dedicated a victory in the Vuelta a España to his teammate
Nathan van Hooydonck’s health situation is ‘not critical’, the cyclist’s Jumbo-Visma team has confirmed, after the 27-year-old was involved in a six-vehicle accident on Tuesday.
The Jumbo-Visma team member was driving in Kalmthout, Belgium, when he began to feel unwell and lost control of the car while accelerating into traffic.
27-year-old Van Hooydonck reportedly had to be resuscitated at the scene and was taken to hospital in critical condition. The Latest News.
His wife Alicia, who is eight months pregnant, was also taken to hospital for a check-up, although she suffered no serious injuries.
Jumbo-Visma released an update on Van Hooydonck’s condition on Tuesday evening, confirming that the Belgian was ‘not critical’.
Nathan van Hooydonck and his wife Alicia were involved in a six-car accident on Tuesday
Jumbo-Visma confirmed that Van Hooydonck’s health situation was ‘not critical’ as the Belgian underwent tests to determine why he had become unwell behind the wheel of his car
Van Hooydonck drove about 100 meters before stopping after a collision between six vehicles
‘Nathan Van Hooydonck is awake and has not suffered any injuries from the traffic accident earlier today. His health condition is not critical,” a team statement said.
‘Further medical examinations must reveal why Nathan became unwell while driving.
‘We would like to thank everyone for the messages and the medical staff at the hospital for the good care of Nathan and his family.’
According to reports from Belgium, Van Hooydonck had been waiting at a traffic light at an intersection when he suddenly took off, crossed the road and hit five other cars stopped at the opposite lights.
Another driver and a minor passenger reportedly suffered injuries as a result of the incident.
Several people came to the cyclist’s aid as they waited for emergency services to arrive.
Van Hooydonck had ridden in this year’s Tour de France, with Belgian supporting teammate Jonas Vingegaard, as the Dane secured a second consecutive title.
Vingegaard dedicated his victory in stage 16 of the Vuelta a España on Tuesday to his ‘best friend’ Van Hooydonck.
Police markers showed where cars ended up after the multiple crash on Tuesday
His wife Alicia, who is eight months pregnant, was taken to hospital for a check-up, although she suffered no serious injuries in the crash.
Jonas Vingegaard achieved an emotional stage victory for Jumbo-Visma in the Vuelta a España
Vingegaard dedicated his stage win to his ‘best friend’ Van Hooydonck as he recovers
“I would like to dedicate this victory to my best friend,” said Vingegaard.
‘We heard the news this morning just before the start. On days like these it’s not easy to keep the focus on cycling. I knew I wanted to win for Nathan.
‘I am happy with this victory, but my thoughts are with him. I hope Nathan will be back to normal soon. He always sacrifices himself for others.
‘He and I have spent a lot of time together over the years and I have built a good relationship with him. He is always there for me. I hope things go well for Nathan and his wife soon.’
Jumbo-Visma said that Van Hooydonck, who has been part of the team since 2021, was ‘deeply moved’ by the gesture.
“Nathan Van Hooydonck is communicating and doing well, given the circumstances,” the team said on Wednesday.
‘He was very happy to hear that Jonas won the stage in La Vuelta yesterday and was deeply moved by the fact that he dedicated the victory to him.’