Cyclist Wout van Aert Ends Season Early Due to Injury

Belgian cyclist Wout van Aert has been sidelined for the rest of the season due to a serious knee injury sustained in a crash during stage 16 of the Vuelta a Espana. The 29-year-old is currently hospitalized in Belgium and will receive intravenous antibiotics to prevent infection.

Belgian cyclist Wout van Aert will not race again this season after a crash in the Vuelta a Espana, his team Visma Lease a Bike said on Thursday. The 29-year-old suffered a serious knee injury following a crash during a descent in stage 16 of the Vuelta on Tuesday.

"Van Aert stays in the hospital in Belgium, where he will receive intravenous antibiotics to minimise the risk of infection," Visma said in a statement. "He will then take a break to make a full recovery before cautiously setting his sights on the next season."

At the time of his withdrawal, Van Aert was leading both the points and King of the Mountains rankings.

(With inputs from agencies.)