Inside the Teams: Wout van Aert relives Tour barrier crash

Wout van Aert, Team Jumbo Visma, is recovering from a severe leg injury after catching a barrier during Stage 13, the Individual Time Trial, forcing him to abandon the race. Speaking in hospital in France on Saturday, he reflected on the crash and his boyhood dream being dashed - for this year at least.

[@TheBlindAcorn]

Don't get down on yourself Wout. Accidents happen and you'll be back stronger than ever soon! Going to be one to watch in the future years!

[@paulontheroad]

Wout, you'll be back on the bike in no time and I look forward to watching you in the Tour for many years to come. Right now, just focus on getting better.

[@CommaCam]

Nice interview. I'm absolutely gutted for him because he was riding so well. I'm surprised he isn't clearer about what happened with the barrier. I'm assuming it's been fully investigated by others at this point, but watching replays and seeing the way the barriers are designed makes it quite clear to me. His right hip/bib shorts got impaled by the joining fork at the top of the barrier. They're meant to link up with the adjacent barrier, but the race organizers aligned them AGAINST the direction of travel so they were basically like knives pointing right back at the riders as they flew by. Eminently foreseeable crash and a ridiculous decision by the race organizers to align the barriers like that.

[@yanito1979]

Good to see you sitting up and talking, all the best for the recovery. In no time it will all be a distant memory!

[@adhst]

Very happy to see Wout is doing Ok! Looking forward to seeing him race again soon and next year in the Tour! Best of luck!

[@GbabyAllan]

back here after he won 2020 Strade Bianchi!!!!

[@christopherfranklin972]

Desperately disappointing for all of us to see Wout go out,Jumbo Visma did a great job animating the race,wishing Wout a full and speedy recovery and look forward to his next grand tour.

[@quickfruits6963]

It sounds like a war zone interview poor guy😭

[@Nojikuzus]

Heal quickly, you'll be back stronger than ever!!

[@riderun-cxr3215]

Best wishes for a good and speedy recovery love from your supporters in England x x x

[@thissucksassyou]

So sorry about your crash. I hope you heal soon!

[@blengravers]

Super glad you're doing well. Fight another day.

[@renatarabutin3602]

Wonderful, modest and kind young champion. And beautiful too.

[@HaldunSayi]

I'm happy to see you well :) really it was a dramatic accident. I'm sure that many of audience was paniced, shocked and be sorry like me. I hope you get well soon champ. Take care!

[@HoYoonTV]

hope you recover well

[@deathkampdrone]

You already have won three stages in the tour this year, big man. And you'll take a fourth on saturday. Respect is neverending.

[@vikramsinhgohil2371]

Get well soon brother

[@maniac0303]

Get well soon!

[@KAOS2010]

All the best for you Wout. Get well quick.

[@9090Glenn]

dude you are a real talent and hope you get back on the bike soon - that was a horrible crash and not your fault at all - those damn barriers have taken down many a fine rider - they are ridiculous - an outright hazard and have been for many years yet the UCI likes drama and refuses to remove them for safer barriers - that is CRIMINAL - if I was you I would SUE the UCI for allowing unsafe barriers - hang in there and be patient with the recovery - don't rush it - it takes a lot of time to get back to where you were - hard not to press but you MUST let it heal fully and then slowly bring it back - hope all goes well for you