- Nathan van Hooydonck was involved in a six-vehicle crash on in Belgium
- His Jumbo-Visma team have confirmed the cyclist health situation is ‘not critical’
- Jonas Vingegaard has dedicated a win at the Vuelta a Espana to his team-mate
Nathan van Hooydonck’s health situation is ‘not critical, the cyclist’s Jumbo-Visma team have confirmed, after the 27-year-old was involved in a six-vehicle crash on Tuesday.
The Jumbo-Visma team member was driving in Kalmthout, Belgium, when he began to feel unwell and lost control of the car, accelerating into traffic.
Van Hooydonck, 27, reportedly had to be resuscitated at the scene and was taken to hospital in a critical condition, according to Het Laatse Nieuws.
His wife, Alicia, who is eight-months pregnant, was also taken to hospital for checks, though she did not suffer serious injuries.
Jumbo-Visma issued an update on Van Hooydonck’s condition on Tuesday evening, confirming the Belgian was ‘not criticial’.
Nathan van Hooydonck and his wife, Alicia, were involved in a six-car crash on Tuesday
Jumbo-Visma confirmed Van Hooydonck’s health situation was ‘not critical’ with the Belgian undergoing tests to determine why he had become unwell behind the wheel of his car
Van Hooydonck travelled around 100 metres before stopping after a six-vehicle collision
‘Nathan Van Hooydonck is awake and doesn’t suffer injuries because of the traffic accident earlier today. His health situation is not critical,’ a team statement read.
‘Further medical examinations have to determine why Nathan became unwell, while driving his car.
‘We want to thank everyone for the messages and the medical staff in the hospital for taking such good care of Nathan and his family.’
Reports from Belgium had said that Van Hooydonck had been waiting at a set of lights by an intersection when he suddenly set off, crossing the road and hitting five other cars that were stationary at the lights opposite.
Another driver and a child passenger were said to have sustained blows from the incident.
Several people came to the cyclist’s aid while they waited for the emergency services to arrive.
Van Hooydonck had ridden at this year’s Tour de France, with the Belgian supporting team-mate Jonas Vingegaard as the Dane secured a second consecutive title.
Vingegaard dedicated his win on stage 16 of the Vuelta a Espana to his ‘best friend’ Van Hooydonck on Tuesday.
Police markings showed where cars ended up following the multiple vehicle crash on Tuesday
His wife, Alicia, who is eight-months pregnant, was taken to hospital for checks, though she did not suffer serious injuries in the crash
Jonas Vingegaard earned a emotional stage win for Jumbo-Visma at the Vuelta a Espana
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,’ Vingegaard said.
‘We heard the news just before the start this morning. On days like this, it’s not easy to keep the focus on cycling. I knew that I wanted to win for Nathan.
‘I am happy with this win, but my thoughts are with him. I hope Nathan will be back to his old self soon. He always sacrifices himself for others.
‘He and I have spent a lot of time together over the past few years, and I’ve built up a good relationship with him. He is always there for me. I hope that Nathan and his wife will be all right soon.’
Jumbo-Visma said that Van Hooydonck, who has been part of the team since 2021, had been ‘moved deeply’ by the gesture.
‘Nathan Van Hooydonck is communicating and doing well, considering the circumstances,’ the team said on Wednesday.
‘He was very happy to hear that Jonas has won yesterday’s stage in La Vuelta and moved deeply by the fact that he dedicated the victory to him.’