Van Aert, leader in the regularity and mountain classifications and winner of three stages in this edition of the Vuelta, was at the front of the race when, descending the Colada Llemena at high speed, he slid on a curve and fell, appearing visibly shaken and with several injuries.
With 50 kilometers to go, he managed to get on a new bike, but he didn’t even roll four kilometers at a slow pace before leaning over to stop definitively and receive assistance: his right knee was covered in blood and he displayed abrasions in various parts of his body.
Also involved in the crash were Mexican Isaac del Toro (United Arab Emirates) and German Felix Engelhardt (Jayco Alula), who continue in the race.
The unfortunate day for 29-year-old Wout van Aert included another fall, 178 kilometers from the finish, which had no consequences.
The world champion in 2016, 2017, and 2018 was in 52nd place overall, 1:30.30 hours behind the leader, Australian Ben O’Connor (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team).
In this edition of the Vuelta, the Belgian had won the stages that finished in Castelo Branco, Córdoba, and Baiona.