Belgian cyclist Wout van Aert will miss the rest of this season after Tuesday’s crash during the Vuelta a Espana.

Visma Lease a Bike rider Van Aert will require “intensive care” after he suffered a serious knee injury, causing him to abandon the race.

The 29-year-old got back on his bike after crashing into the hillside on a descent during stage 16, about 48km from the end of the stage, but he soon pulled up again and clutched his knee.

“He will take a break to make a full recovery before cautiously setting his sights on the next season,” Visma said in a statement.

“Van Aert stays in the hospital in Belgium, where he will receive intravenous antibiotics to minimise the risk of infection,” added the team.

The Belgian, who won bronze in the Paris 2024 Olympic time trial, was the green jersey holder, leading the mountain and points classifications before abandoning.