Eddy Merckx’s Heartwarming Gesture Touches Cycling World Amid Wout van Aert’s Devastating Injury

In a moment that has captured the hearts of cycling fans worldwide, legendary Belgian icon Eddy Merckx has shown remarkable class and compassion toward fellow countryman Wout van Aert following the latter’s serious injury in early 2026.

The cycling community, already reeling from the news of van Aert’s crash, has been deeply moved by Merckx’s noble act of support, reminding everyone of the deep bonds that unite generations in this demanding sport.

The Shocking Crash That Ended van Aert’s Cyclo-Cross Season

The incident occurred on January 2, 2026, during the Exact Cross race in Mol, Belgium – also known as the Zilvermeercross.

Heavy snowfall transformed the course into a treacherous battlefield, setting the stage for an epic duel between two of cyclo-cross’s biggest stars: Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) and reigning world champion Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck).

Van Aert, a three-time cyclo-cross world champion himself, had returned to the discipline for a limited winter schedule after a challenging 2025 road season. He was in superb form, catching up to van der Poel after the Dutchman escaped early and engaging in a thrilling head-to-head battle.

Fans were treated to a rare spectacle as the rivals pushed each other to the limit on the slippery, snow-covered tracks.

Tragedy struck when van Aert crashed heavily on a paved section while closely following van der Poel. Video footage showed him sliding out in a corner, his foot twisting awkwardly upon impact.

Despite visible pain and a bleeding knee, van Aert remounted briefly in a display of grit, but he soon abandoned the race, unable to put weight on his injured ankle.

Medical scans revealed a sprained ankle with a small fracture. Van Aert underwent successful surgery the following day in Herentals, Belgium. His team, Visma-Lease a Bike, confirmed the procedure went well, stating: “The surgery was successful. Wout will now begin his recovery.”

In a statement, the 31-year-old expressed his disappointment: “Of course I am very disappointed to have to end my cyclo-cross season like this… my focus will now be on recovery and, later on, the preparation of the road season.”

The injury abruptly ended van Aert’s winter campaign after just a handful of races, robbing fans of anticipated clashes with van der Poel, including at the upcoming UCI Cyclo-Cross World Cup in Zonhoven and potentially the World Championships.

A History of Setbacks for the Belgian Superstar

This latest misfortune adds to a frustrating pattern of injuries for van Aert, one of cycling’s most versatile and talented riders. Known for his explosive power in classics, stage wins at Grand Tours, and dominance in cyclo-cross, van Aert has often seen his seasons disrupted by crashes.

In 2024, a severe knee injury from a crash at Dwars door Vlaanderen sidelined him for key spring classics. Earlier incidents, including a high-speed crash at the 2019 Tour de France time trial and complications from surgery, have tested his resilience time and again.

Despite these setbacks, van Aert has bounced back repeatedly, claiming multiple Tour de France stage victories, the 2022 points classification, and the 2020 Milan-San Remo monument. His rivalry with van der Poel is one of the sport’s greatest, producing unforgettable battles that draw massive crowds in Belgium’s passionate cyclo-cross heartland.

Experts note that while the ankle fracture is described as “small,” recovery timelines vary. Some reports suggest a potential three-month absence for full competition return, though Visma-Lease a Bike has remained optimistic, focusing on his 2026 road goals like the spring classics and Tour de France.

Eddy Merckx: The Cannibal’s Touching Act of Solidarity

Amid the heartbreak, a beacon of inspiration emerged from none other than Eddy Merckx, the greatest cyclist of all time. The 80-year-old legend, nicknamed “The Cannibal” for his insatiable winning appetite, has long been a figure of reverence in Belgian cycling.

Merckx, who won virtually everything in his era – including five Tours de France, all five monuments, and three world championships – reached out personally to van Aert in a gesture that has been hailed as profoundly noble and touching.

Details of the act highlight Merckx’s humility and empathy: despite his unparalleled status, he offered words of encouragement, sharing insights from his own career battles with injuries and adversity.

Sources close to the Belgian cycling scene describe it as a private message of support, reminding van Aert of the strength required to overcome obstacles in a sport that demands both physical and mental fortitude.

This wasn’t a public stunt but a genuine, heartfelt outreach from one generation’s icon to another’s rising (and established) star. Fans and pundits alike have praised it as a class act, embodying the spirit of camaraderie that elevates cycling beyond mere competition.

Merckx has often spoken admiringly of modern riders like van Aert, acknowledging the evolution of the sport while drawing parallels to his own era.

In past interviews, he’s called van Aert one of the most complete riders, capable of winning across disciplines – a rare compliment from a man who set the benchmark for versatility.

The gesture has resonated deeply, especially in Belgium, where cycling is a national obsession. Social media buzzed with admiration, with fans noting how Merckx’s support underscores the unbreakable thread connecting legends past and present.

Why This Moment Matters to the Cycling World

In an era of intense rivalries and high-stakes pressure, Merckx’s action serves as a poignant reminder of sportsmanship. Van Aert, often compared to Merckx for his all-round abilities, now receives direct encouragement from the man himself during a low point.

It also highlights the human side of professional cycling. Behind the glory and grit are athletes vulnerable to the sport’s inherent risks. Van Aert’s crash in the snow evoked sympathy across the peloton, with rivals like van der Poel expressing regret over the lost battles.

As van Aert begins rehabilitation, Merckx’s words likely provide powerful motivation. The Belgian star has repeatedly proven his comeback ability, and with the 2026 classics season on the horizon – including dreams of finally conquering the Tour of Flanders or Paris-Roubaix – this support could fuel his fire.

Looking Ahead: Hope for van Aert’s Return

While the cyclo-cross world moves on without one of its biggest draws, all eyes are on van Aert’s recovery. His team remains positive, and history suggests he’ll return stronger. If anyone can channel adversity into triumph, it’s the rider who’s already overcome so much.

Eddy Merckx’s noble gesture has not only uplifted van Aert but also warmed the hearts of fans everywhere.

In a sport defined by suffering and perseverance, moments like these remind us why we love cycling: the legends who pave the way, the warriors who fight on, and the unbreakable bonds that endure.