Vingegaard helper Van Hooydonck must end his career

Professional cyclist Nathan Van Hooydonck, who helped Jonas Vingegaard to his second Tour de France victory in July, has had to end his career due to a heart muscle abnormality. This was announced by his racing team Jumbo-Visma.

The 27-year-old caused a road accident last week when he felt unwell behind the wheel and subsequently had to be resuscitated. The Belgian has since been discharged from hospital and has been fitted with a pacemaker.

"I realise that I was incredibly lucky," says Van Hooydonck: "It might have been different if I hadn't received good help so quickly. I'm fine now, but I still have to come to terms with the fact that this is the end of my professional career."

Several cars were damaged in the accident in Kalmthout near Antwerp. His pregnant wife was sitting next to van Hooydonck in the car, but she was unharmed. "Everything is going well with Alicia and the pregnancy and we are looking forward to the birth. That really helps me now," added van Hooydonck.

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