Belgian pro Nathan van Hooydonck in critical condition following car accident

Belgian cyclist Nathan van Hooydonck was hospitalized following a car accident that occurred on Tuesday, as confirmed by his Jumbo-Visma team. The crash left Van Hooydonck with severe injuries, and he was reported to be in critical condition, according to the Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad.

“We can confirm that earlier today our rider Nathan van Hooydonck became unwell while driving his car, leading to his involvement in a traffic accident. He was subsequently transported to hospital, where he is receiving good medical care. We cannot confirm rumours that his condition is critical. He is undergoing further medical examinations. Thank you all for your messages to Nathan and the team,” read a tweet from his team.

Unintentionally drove into oncoming traffic

Nathan van Hooydonck, 27, was parked at a junction in Kalhmthout, Belgium with his pregnant wife seated beside him in the passenger seat. Unfortunately, he experienced a sudden health issue, leading to an unintended acceleration into traffic.

🇪🇸 #LaVuelta23

🙏🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/EvNcxMORDb

— Team Jumbo-Visma cycling (@JumboVismaRoad) September 12, 2023

“A car with two occupants was waiting at the traffic lights at the intersection of Dorpsstraat and Kapelsesteenweg,” Patrick De Smedt, the police spokesperson said in Het Nieuwsblad. “The driver was resuscitated on site and taken to hospital in life-threatening condition. His pregnant wife who was sitting next to him was not injured but was also taken to hospital for a check-up.”

From a family of cyclists

Van Hooydonck, has been riding with Jumbo-Visma since 2021, and rode the 2023 Tour in support of winner Jonas Vingegaard. His father, Gino was a professional cyclist was his uncle, Edwig. Edwig Van Hooydonck was one of the great classics riders in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, winning the Tour of Flanders twice.

Vingegaard earns a brace of 2023 Vuelta wins, closes gap on teammate Kuss

On Tuesday, Vinegaard dedicated his Stage 16 win to his Beglian teammate.

At Canadian Cycling Magazine we strive to use accurate language incidents involving vulnerable road users and motorists. Usually, the term “collision” is preferred when describing a motorist hitting a cyclist, and the term “accident” is avoided. In this case, we have chosen to use the term “car accident” given the unique situation where van Hooydonck unintentionally drove into traffic.