Tour de France cyclist Nathan van Hooydonck is reportedly fighting for his life after a six-vehicle crash, with his pregnant wife in the passenger seat next to him.
The Jumbo Visma cyclist was driving in Kalmthout, Belgium, when he began to feel unwell and lost control of the car.
While his eight-months pregnant wife did not suffer serious injuries, the 27-year-old reportedly had to be resuscitated on the scene and was taken to hospital in a critical condition, according to Het Laatse Nieuws.
A statement from Jumbo Visma reads: ‘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 the 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.’
Nathan van Hooydonck and his wife were involved in a six-car crash, leaving the Tour de France cyclist fighting for his life
Jumbo-Visma sporting director Grischa Niermann said: ‘We don’t know more than all that’s in the media. Apparently he had an accident and had to go to hospital. He’s there now in, I think, an induced coma.
‘It’s very, very harsh news for us, for everybody, especially for the riders. And of course, our thoughts are with him, and also with his girlfriend, and we all hope and wish for the best.
‘Right now, our thoughts are somewhere else [than the Vuelta a España], still we have a leader’s jersey in La Vuelta and we will go on fighting. I hope the boys can change their mindset when on the bike but its a very difficult morning for us.’
Post source: Daily mail