Wout wilde ondanks die val niet opgeven”: Sarah De Bie, 5 jaar na de nachtmerrie van Pau. “Wout wanted to keep going despite the fall”: Sarah De Bie, 5 years after the nightmare of Pau.

Wout wilde ondanks die val niet opgeven”: Sarah De Bie, 5 jaar na de nachtmerrie van Pau.

“Wout wanted to keep going despite the fall”: Sarah De Bie, 5 years after the nightmare of Pau.

 

Five years have passed since the tragic and traumatic events at the 2019 Tour de France, where Wout Van Aert’s career and life hung in the balance after a dramatic crash during the Pau stage. For Sarah De Bie, the wife of the Belgian cycling star, those five years have been a rollercoaster of emotions, from deep fear and uncertainty to overwhelming pride in her husband’s resilience and determination.

 

In the midst of a season full of promise, Wout Van Aert was on course to solidify his place among the cycling elite when disaster struck on the descent of the Col du Tourmalet during the 2019 Tour de France. With the yellow jersey and the potential for great victories ahead, Van Aert was involved in a terrifying crash that left him with a broken collarbone and multiple abrasions. The crash, compounded by the harsh conditions of the race, initially led to the belief that Van Aert’s Tour de France would be over.

 

However, it was the mental and physical determination of the Belgian rider that would shape the months following the crash. His recovery was nothing short of miraculous, and Sarah De Bie, in an interview marking the five-year anniversary of the accident, reflected on her husband’s strength and resolve throughout that challenging period.

 

A Testing Recovery

 

Sarah described how difficult it was to watch her husband go through the painful recovery process. “When Wout fell, it was an emotional blow for both of us. You never expect something like that to happen, especially when you’re so close to achieving something great,” Sarah explained. But despite the immense pain, Wout was determined not to give up. “Wout wanted to keep going despite the fall. That was his mindset. It wasn’t just about physical recovery; it was about coming back stronger mentally,” Sarah recalled.

 

The road to recovery was long and grueling. Wout faced numerous challenges, not just with his physical injuries but also with the mental toughness required to regain the form that had made him a Tour de France contender. During the months of rehabilitation, the Van Aert family experienced a mix of highs and lows, but Wout’s drive never wavered.

 

“Every day, it was about setting small goals—walking, riding again, believing in the process,” Sarah continued. “I remember Wout telling me that he would come back to racing no matter what. He couldn’t stand the thought of giving up on his dream.”

 

**A Return to Glory**

 

Wout Van Aert’s return to competition was a testament to his incredible resilience. Not only did he return to the sport, but he also exceeded expectations by claiming victories in several high-profile races. His win at Milan-San Remo in 2020 was a remarkable moment in his recovery, and it solidified his place as one of cycling’s most versatile and formidable competitors. His comeback was not just about racing; it was about showing the world—and himself—that despite the nightmare at Pau, he could bounce back stronger than ever.

 

For Sarah, watching her husband achieve success again was an emotional experience. “I remember seeing him on the podium at Milan-San Remo. That was the moment I knew Wout had fully recovered, not just physically but mentally as well,” she said. “It was a victory not only for him but for both of us. It showed that all the hard work, the sacrifices, and the determination paid off.”

 

**The Legacy of the Fall**

 

As the anniversary of the Pau crash approaches, Sarah reflects on how the experience has shaped both their personal lives and Wout’s career. “Wout always says that the crash was a wake-up call. It reminded him that anything can happen in an instant, but it also made him realize the importance of not taking anything for granted. That mindset has stuck with him ever since.”

 

Today, Wout Van Aert is regarded as one of the most complete riders in the world, capable of excelling in multiple disciplines, including stage races, one-day classics, and time trials. His journey from the devastation of that day in Pau to becoming a global cycling icon has inspired not only cycling fans but also athletes across various sports.

 

In closing, Sarah De Bie emphasized the profound impact that the events of five years ago have had on their lives. “Wout’s determination to keep going despite the fall is something I’ll never forget. It’s been a journey of growth, both personally and professionally, and we are incredibly grateful for how far we’ve come.”

 

As Wout Van Aert continues to shine on the world’s biggest stages, his story remains a testament to resilience, grit, and the unwavering spirit of a champion. Five years after the nightmare of Pau, Wout’s comeback is a source of inspiration for all who face adversity.