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 team member was driving in Kalmthout, Belgium, when he began to feel unwell and lost control of the car, accelerating into traffic.
Van Hooydonck, 27, reportedly had to be resuscitated at the scene and was taken to hospital in a critical condition, according to Het Laatse Nieuws.
His wife, Alicia, who is eight-months pregnant, was also taken to hospital for checks, though she did not suffer serious injuries.
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.’
It is reported that Van Hooydonck was waiting at a set of lights by an intersection when he suddenly set off, crossing the road and hitting five other cars that were stationary at the lights opposite.
Another driver and a child passenger are said to have sustained blows from the incident.
Several people came to the cyclist’s help, with one giving first aid while waiting for emergency services.
Van Hooydonck, who turned pro with BMC in 2017, has been with Dutch outfit Jumbo-Visma since 2021.
He was part of the successful Jumbo-Visma team at the Tour de France this year, as they claimed the best time as a team and supported Jonas Vingegaard to a second consecutive title.
