Did the germs catch up with Wout van Aert at the worst possible time? The Belgian champion would not be the first rider to fall in top form. How come?
It’s a fact that actually sounds paradoxical: riders in top form are more susceptible to illness. It is quite possible that Wout van Aert is the umpteenth textbook example this cycling season. Remember the many cancellations just before Milan-Senremo, a race that many guys also peaked at.
But how come?
“There is actually little scientific evidence for this,” says Joost De Maeseneer, team doctor at Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert. “But experience confirms it. Riders in top form are trained to the limit. They have pushed their limits in the previous weeks and are at their sharpest in weight, with a particularly low fat percentage. That makes them more brittle to infections.”
Riders in top form are at their sharpest in weight. That makes them more brittle to infections.
Added to this is the greater stressor in the run-up to the moment of truth. Which can have a negative impact on sleep and mental rest.
Doctor De Maeseneer is not in the least surprised that there are so many sick this season. “I see 50% more cases than usual – also in our team. Everything has to do with the post-corona period. After the abolition of the mouth mask obligation, we are more sensitive to viral infections. Especially riders who come back from training camps in Spain and then suddenly have to race in all kinds of weather.”
