Wout van Aert may have had a rough year in 2024, but optimistic updates about his recuperation have been coming in quickly. However, not everyone is delighted with the images and videos published on social media. Former rider Johan Vansummeren came out in the Belgian newspaper Het Belang van Limburg’s 2024 summary, questioning Van Aert’s recuperation updates. In the same summary, the former Paris-Roubaix winner criticized Jasper Philipsen’s preparation for the European Championship.
Let’s go back to the end of March when Van Aert had a heavy and high-speed crash in Dwars door Vlaanderen. This ultimately forced him to miss his two major goals, the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. In hindsight, it wasn’t the only major misfortune for the Belgian Visma | Lease a Bike rider that year. In the sixteenth stage of the Vuelta, he crashed hard yet again during a descent, sustaining a severe knee injury that forced him to abandon the race. His autumn goals also went out the window.
“Crashes at such high speeds certainly don’t make you better,” Vansummeren said, reflecting on Van Aert’s unfortunate year. The Belgian ex-pro also noted that time is beginning to run out. “Wout has just turned 30, and another chance to win that top classic has slipped by.” During his recovery, Van Aert posted frequent updates on his social media, something that annoyed Vansummeren. “I’m getting tired of all his videos. Throwing crutches into a container, involving his wife and kids. Are you an influencer or a cyclist?” the former rider asked bluntly.
Philipsen does not avoid criticism. Vansummeren’s criticism
In the 2024 cycling year report, the 43-year-old ex-rider also commented on Tim Merlier’s victory at the European Championship in Belgium. Vansummeren was particularly upset with Philipsen’s preparations for the European Championship. The Belgian (and Flemish) sprinter had attended a high-altitude training camp in Italy. “A sprinter needs to sprint, not constantly go on high-altitude training camps. I think Jasper lost the European Championship in Livigno. The only flat roads you’ll find there are between tunnels. There’s no way your top speed isn’t affected by all that uphill riding,” Vansummeren said in harsh words. Philipsen ultimately finished just off the podium in that European Championship, behind Merlier, Olav Kooij and Madis Mihkels.
