Nathan Van Hooydonck news update
Nathan Van Hooydonck, a 31-year-old former professional cyclist, is counting his blessings after a near-death experience that forced him to retire from the sport. Last year, Nathan was driving to a gynecology appointment with his heavily pregnant wife when he lost consciousness behind the wheel. His car veered off the road and collided with several other vehicles.
∘ A Fortunate Turn of Events
∘ Gratitude and Perspective
∘ A New Chapter
∘ Nathan Van Hooydonck’s forced retirement
∘ Nathan’s Professional career
A Fortunate Turn of Events
Miraculously, Van Hooydonck and his wife escaped the accident with minor injuries. However, his heart had stopped during the crash, and he was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Doctors were able to revive him, but he remained in a coma for several days.
Upon waking up, Nathan learned that he had suffered a heart attack. Further tests revealed that he had an underlying heart condition that made it unsafe for him to continue cycling professionally.
Gratitude and Perspective
Despite the devastating news, Van Hooydonck is grateful to be alive. “I’m just lucky to be here,” he said in an interview with VeloNews. “I’m lucky to have my wife and my kids. I’m lucky to have another chance at life.”
He’s brush with death has given him a new perspective on life. He said that he is no longer afraid of death and that he is simply grateful for each day.
“I’m not scared of dying anymore,” he said. “I’ve already died once. And I’m here. So, I’m just going to live my life to the fullest and enjoy every moment.”
A New Chapter
Van Hooydonck is now retired from cycling, but he is still involved in the sport as a coach and mentor. He is also working on a book about his life and experiences.
Nathan’s story is a reminder that life is precious and that we should never take it for granted. He is an inspiration to us all to live our lives to the fullest and to never give up hope.
Belgian cyclist Nathan Van Hooydonck’s life took an unexpected turn two months ago when he was involved in a car accident that left him in a coma for a few hours. After undergoing extensive tests, it was revealed that he had an anomaly in his heart muscle, forcing him to abruptly end his promising cycling career at the young age of 27.
The accident occurred at a crossroads in the center of Kalmthout, a town in the Antwerp province of Belgium. Nathan was driving his car when he suddenly lost consciousness, causing him to lose control of the vehicle and crash. Fortunately, he was transported to a nearby hospital where he received immediate medical attention.
Despite being put into an induced coma, Van Hooydonck’s condition deteriorated rapidly. He underwent a series of thorough examinations, which ultimately led to the discovery of the heart muscle anomaly. This unexpected diagnosis shattered his dreams of continuing his cycling career, a sport he had dedicated his life to since he was a child.
Nathan Van Hooydonck’s forced retirement
The news of the pro cyclist’s forced retirement sent shockwaves through the cycling world, with many expressing their sympathy and support for the young athlete. Van Hooydonck himself has remained positive and resilient throughout this challenging time, focusing on his recovery and adjusting to life outside of professional cycling.
Despite the setback, he’s determination and spirit remain unbroken. He is committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and exploring new opportunities that lie ahead. While his cycling career may have come to an end, Van Hooydonck’s unwavering spirit and passion for life will continue to inspire those around him.
Nathan’s Professional career
Nathan Van Hooydonck (born 12 October 1995) is a Belgian former road cyclist. He turned professional in 2017 with BMC Racing Team and subsequently rode for CCC Team and Team Jumbo-Visma.
Van Hooydonck was born in Gooreind, Belgium. He is the nephew of two-time Tour of Flanders winner Edwig Van Hooydonck. He started cycling at the age of five and competed in his first race at the age of seven.
Van Hooydonck was a successful amateur racer. He won the Belgian Junior Road Race Championships in 2013 and the Ronde van Vlaanderen voor Junioren in 2014. He also competed at the UCI World Junior Road Championships on several occasions.
Joining the big league
Van Hooydonck turned professional in 2017 with BMC Racing Team. He made his professional debut at the Tour Down Under. He spent two seasons with BMC Racing Team before joining CCC Team in 2019.
Van Hooydonck joined Team Jumbo-Visma in 2021. He was a key member of the team’s Classics and Grand Tours squads. He played a crucial role in helping Wout van Aert win races such as the 2021 Milan-San Remo and Jonas Vingegaard win the 2022 Tour de France.
Palmares
- 2013: Belgian Junior Road Race Championships
- 2014: Ronde van Vlaanderen voor Junioren
Teams
- 2015–2016: BMC Development Team
- 2017–2018: BMC Racing Team
- 2019–2020: CCC Team
- 2021–2023: Team Jumbo-Visma
Major results
- Tour de France: 2019, 2021, 2022
- Vuelta a España: 2021
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