Wout van Aert Sidelined by Severe Injuries After Crash

The Belgian cyclist's crash during Dwars door Vlaanderen leaves him out of key spring races, casting doubt on his Olympic preparations.

Wout van Aert, Belgian cycling star, suffers several fractures in a crash during the Dwars door Vlaanderen race, ruling him out of the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.
The crash also involved other prominent riders, but Van Aert's injuries are the most severe, including a broken collarbone and several ribs.
Van Aert's absence is a significant blow to his team, Visma-Lease a Bike, and the upcoming cobbled classics season, where he was among the favorites.
Teammate Matteo Jorgenson won the Dwars door Vlaanderen in Van Aert's absence, highlighting potential new contenders for the upcoming races.
Van Aert's recovery timeline is unclear, impacting his preparation for the Paris Olympics, where he is a podium favorite.