News
Leander Van Hautegem Rescued After Training Crash
Belgian pro rider found in ditch after a training crash, rescued by ranger
There’s a particular kind of silence that follows a training crash—one that doesn’t sound like chaos at all.
It’s the quiet after the wheel skitters, after the body hits, after the bike stops moving while the rider
keeps moving in ways they never intended. For Belgian pro rider Leander Van Hautegem, that silence took a
frightening turn when he was later found in a ditch and rescued by a ranger. The incident reportedly left
him with a concussion and a collapsed lung—two injuries that, on paper, look clinical and manageable, but
in reality can turn a routine training day into a life-altering emergency.
We don’t need the most granular blow-by-blow to understand what matters here. A professional athlete—someone
with fitness, handling skill, and years of experience—went down, ended up out of sight, and required outside
help to be located and brought to safety. That’s the story. And it’s also a reminder that cycling, for all
its elegance and joy, is still a high-speed sport conducted in open environments that don’t pause when things
go wrong.
The danger isn’t just the crash—it’s the minutes after
In most conversations about road safety, we focus (rightly) on prevention: infrastructure, driver behavior,
speed limits, visibility. But incidents like this highlight a secondary risk that can be just as consequential:
what happens after the impact. Being down an embankment, in a ditch, behind brush, or off a quiet
service road can mean no immediate witnesses. In the best-case scenario, you’re shaken and sore and manage
to call for help. In the worst case—especially with a concussion—your judgment, coordination, and memory can
be impaired at the exact moment you need them most.
A collapsed lung adds another layer of urgency. Breathing difficulty isn’t always instant, dramatic, or obvious
to a rider in shock. Pain can be confusing; adrenaline can mask symptoms. And yet time matters. The sooner a
rider is assessed and treated, the better the odds of avoiding complications. This is where “luck” enters the
narrative, and I’ve always hated that word in cycling. We prefer control: training plans, nutrition metrics,
equipment choices. But on the side of the road, luck can look like one person taking the right trail at the
right hour—like a ranger noticing something off and stopping to check.
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- Lightweight 16.5 inch aluminum mountain frame is the perfect bike for rides around your neighborhood or trails with 26-inch wheels fit riders 5' 3" - 5' 8" inches tall
- Bicycle is equipped with an alloy crank that delivers smooth gear changes, requiring minimal maintenance
- Mountain bike has twist shifters with a rear derailleur to make gear changes quick and easy
- Lightweight and sturdy alloy wheel and wide knobby mountain tires offer stability and balance to riders on all terrains and in all weather conditions
- Quick-release seat posts for easy adjustments, arrives 80% assembled, will need the following tool: Phillips head screwdriver, 2.5-8mm Allen wrenches, adjustable wrench, pliers with cable cutters
Why professionals are not immune
There’s a persistent myth that pros crash because they ride faster, but otherwise have some kind of protective
aura. The reality is more mundane: pros ride a lot. Hours upon hours on open roads, in varying weather and
lighting, often alone, often on familiar routes that can breed complacency. They also ride when the rest of us
might say, “Not today.” Fatigue, pressure, and routine can create a perfect storm for small errors—one missed
corner apex, one patch of gravel, one moment of inattention from a driver or from the rider.
Training crashes are also psychologically different than race crashes. In a race, there are people everywhere:
teammates, rivals, neutral service, medics, moto marshals. In training, you can be a solitary dot on a map.
That isolation is beautiful when it’s peaceful—and terrifying when it isn’t.
What this should change for the rest of us
I’m not interested in turning every ride into a paranoia exercise. Cycling is worth doing precisely because it
makes life bigger, not smaller. But it’s also worth building habits that reduce the chance you’ll become
difficult to find if something goes wrong.
- Share your live location with a partner or friend when riding solo, especially on quieter
routes. - Carry identification and basic medical info. In an emergency, clarity saves time.
- Plan for “I can’t call” scenarios, not just “I might need a call.” If your phone is damaged
or you’re disoriented, who will notice quickly? - Upgrade visibility even in daylight. You’re not trying to look stylish; you’re trying to be
seen in peripheral vision.
A small kit can’t prevent a crash, but it can reduce the consequences. If you’re building your own “just in
case” setup, here are a few practical items I’ve come to view as non-negotiable on solo days:
A quality helmet is the obvious starting point. I’m a fan of models that balance ventilation and coverage,
and that integrate cleanly with eyewear. Consider something like the
Giro Register MIPS helmet
for a reliable, widely available option.
- MARKET LEADING PROTECTION: Engineered in Giro's category leading helmet test lab.
- INTEGRATED MIPS: Utilizes the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System to redirect energy in a crash.
- VENTILATION: 18 Wind Tunnel vents with internal channeling.
- RUGGED: In-molding construction.
- UNIVERSAL FIT SIZING: Get the right fit, straight out of the box.
Visibility matters year-round. A compact, daylight-capable rear light can be the difference between being a
moving object and a recognized rider. The
Cygolite Hotshot Pro 150
is a popular choice for good reason.
![Cygolite Hotshot Pro– 150 Lumen Bike Tail Light [HARD MOUNT VERSION]– 6 Night & Daytime Modes– User Adjustable Flash Speeds- Compact Design– IP64 Water Resistant– USB Rechargeable–Great for Busy Roads](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAxIDEiIGJ2LWltZy11cmw9Imh0dHBzOi8vbS5tZWRpYS1hbWF6b24uY29tL2ltYWdlcy9JLzQxRklYelNrVG1MLl9TTDE2MF8uanBnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
- Extremely bright 150 lumen tail light stands out day and night on busy streets. Patent pending adjustable flash speeds lets you maximize motorist awareness with its unique and easy to use 2 button control.
- 6 lighting modes for day and night use (Steady: 2 hr to 210 hr, Zoom: 3 hr to 7: 30 hr, SteadyPulse: 4: 30 hr to 6 hr, Triple Flash: 29 hr to 75 hr, DayLightning Flash: 6: 30 hr to 37 hr, Random Flash: 5 hr to 30 hr). Wide range run time of 2 to 210 hours
- SteadyPulse mode shines a steady beam to help motorists gauge their distance while overlapping pulses keep them alert at night. DayLightning Flash bursts lightning-like flashes to make you stand out on busy roads in broad daylight
- Built to endure road cycling conditions with durable & water resistant body, and hard seat post & seat stay mounts, all while keeping a compact form & weighing only 75 grams. Designed for convenience with USB rechargeable design & low battery indicator
- Designed, engineered, and assembled in the USA. Founded in 1991, Cygolite is the proven bicycle light experts with exclusive designs and innovations crafted into quality products that are on the leading edge of safety
If you ride alone on remote roads or trails, a simple, loud attention tool is underrated. The
Knog Oi Classic bike bell
is discreet, but it can help in shared spaces where hikers, dogs, or other cyclists might drift unpredictably.
- Iconic Wrap-Around Design: Sleek and compact, low-profile form factor that wraps seamlessly around your handlebars.
- Loud But Friendly Ringtone: A loud 80dB ring that cuts through noise to get attention and alert pedestrians and other road users.
- Built To Last: Each component has been designed and thoroughly tested to ring true thousands of times.
- WAVETEK Hammer Technology: An innovation in auditory engineering, that delivers strong & consistent ringer strikes.
- Two Size Options: Small fits 22.2mm round handlebars only; Large fits 25.4mm, 26mm, and 31.8mm round handlebars.
On the “what if I’m down” side, I strongly recommend wearing an ID. The
Road iD wrist ID
is simple and effective—no batteries required.
- EMERGENCY IDENTIFICATION YOU CAN RELY ON: Personalize the Road iD bracelet for women and men up to 5 lines with your name, emergency contacts, allergies, medications, blood type, or other key details; essential information stays on your wrist when a phone or wallet is not available
- MADE FOR MILES AND EVERYDAY LIFE: The low-profile athletic design is suitable for running, cycling, hiking, travel, water sports, solo work, and daily wear; this runners id bracelet is made from freshwater, chlorine, and saltwater-safe materials to handle sweat, showers, pools, and changing weather
- COMFORT THAT STAYS WITH YOU: Soft latex-free silicone and a curved stainless steel faceplate create a lightweight fit that will not pinch or pull arm hair; our emergency bracelet is available in 13 mm for wrists 5.5 to 7.6 inches and 19 mm for 6 to 8.2 inches
- SECURE NON-MAGNETIC PIN-TUCK FIT: Adjustable pins let you set a snug fit, while the tucked strap end keeps the band streamlined during activity; measure before ordering and choose the wider 19 mm option for larger wrists or added presence
- TRUSTED WHEN SECONDS COUNT: Join the thousands of people who trust Road iD every day; backed by 10,000+ real-life stories, these ID bracelets have helped first responders identify wearers and contact loved ones during emergencies; confidence built through years of performance
And don’t overlook a small first-aid upgrade. Even basic wound care can prevent an ugly situation from becoming
worse while you wait for help. A compact option like the
Adventure Medical Kits ultralight kit
fits easily in a jersey pocket or saddle bag.
- Adventure Medical Kit: This emergency medical kit is designed for 1 to 10 people, lasting up to 7 days, featuring professional-grade medical components for outdoor adventures
- Waterproof Medical Kit: This hiking first aid kit is equipped with inner DryFlex bags and a rugged outer layer, ensuring contents stay dry and ready in any weather condition
- Compact First Aid Kit: Includes a detachable ultralight bag, ideal for summit bids or minimalistic trips, keeping your load light without sacrificing preparedness
- Organized & Durable: High-quality materials combined with a well-organized design allow for quick and efficient response to a variety of injuries and medical situations
- Enhanced Treatment Tools: Contains a Laerdal CPR Mask with O2 valve and an irrigation syringe, providing care options for emergencies on the trail
Finally, if your rides routinely include remote areas with spotty cell coverage, consider a satellite messenger.
It’s not for everyone, but it can be a literal lifeline. The
Garmin inReach Mini
is one of the better-known solutions.
- Small, rugged, lightweight satellite communicator enables two way text messaging using the 100 percentage global Iridium network (satellite subscription required).Special Feature:Bluetooth.
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center (satellite subscription required). Display size-0.9 x 0.9 inch
- Access downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery and more by using the free Garmin Earthmate app and compatible devices
- Optional inReach weather forecast service provides detailed updates directly to your inReach Mini or paired device; basic and premium weather packages available
- Send and receive inReach messages through compatible Garmin devices, including connected wearables and handhelds. Display resolution:128 x 128 pixels
A note on repeating the headline injury
Reports have emphasized that Van Hautegem sustained a concussion and a collapsed lung during the ride. It’s worth
repeating not for drama, but for clarity: those are not “shake it off” injuries. If you crash and feel confusion,
nausea, headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, or a sense that something is profoundly wrong—stop. Get help.
Don’t negotiate with symptoms because your training plan says you should finish intervals.
Editorial: We need to treat solo training like an event with consequences
Cycling culture glorifies toughness, and toughness has its place. But preparedness is not softness. It’s respect
for the fact that the road doesn’t care how fit you are, the ditch doesn’t care how much talent you have, and
physiology doesn’t care what your team schedule looks like.
A ranger finding a rider in trouble shouldn’t be the plan. It should be the miracle that happens when plans fail.
Let’s build better plans: share routes, carry ID, run lights, tell someone when you’re expected back. Not because
cycling is uniquely dangerous, but because it’s uniquely worth returning from.
FAQ
What should I do immediately after a crash if I suspect a concussion?
Stop riding, get to a safe location if possible, and seek medical evaluation. Do not “test” yourself by riding on.
If you’re alone, call emergency services or a trusted contact and share your location.
What are warning signs of a collapsed lung after a cycling crash?
Shortness of breath, sharp chest pain (often worse with breathing), rapid heart rate, or a feeling that you can’t
draw a full breath are red flags. Treat these as urgent and seek emergency care.
How can I reduce the risk of not being found if I crash on a quiet route?
Share live location, tell someone your route and expected return time, carry identification, and consider a
satellite messenger if coverage is unreliable.
Are daylight running lights actually useful?
Yes. Daylight-visible lights can improve driver detection and distance judgment, particularly in dappled light,
on tree-lined roads, and during low sun angles.
What’s the single best low-cost safety upgrade for solo riders?
Wearing an ID and using a reliable rear light are two of the highest-impact, lowest-hassle upgrades for most riders.
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