Seff Van Kerckhove, an 18-year-old Rwandan cyclist, was involved in a serious car accident on Sunday during a training session. The incident occurred at around 6 pm, and Van Kerckhove suffered significant injuries to his upper body. According to the Belgian Cycling Federation, he was taken to the hospital for further examination. The accident has forced Van Kerckhove to withdraw from the upcoming junior time trial and road race events at the World Championships in Montreal.
The Belgian Cycling Federation confirmed that Van Kerckhove will not participate in the junior time trial and road race events. The federation's spokesperson stated that Van Kerckhove's injuries are significant, and he will require time to recover. The accident is the second major incident involving Van Kerckhove in less than a year. In December 2025, he was hit by a car during training in Belgium, which resulted in a broken collarbone and a lengthy recovery period.
Despite the setback, Van Kerckhove had shown promising form in recent months. He won the Classique des Alpes in April and secured his second consecutive victory in the Giro della Lunigiana junior race earlier this month. These impressive performances had raised expectations about his chances in the World Championships. However, the accident has dashed those hopes, and Van Kerckhove will now focus on his recovery.
The Belgian Cycling Federation has confirmed that no replacement will be called up to fill Van Kerckhove's spot in the junior time trial and road race events. The team will compete with the existing lineup, and Van Kerckhove will begin his rehabilitation process. The federation has pledged to support Van Kerckhove's recovery and help him regain his form.
The World Championships in Montreal are set to take place in the coming days, with the junior time trial and road race events scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday, respectively. Van Kerckhove's absence will be felt, as he was considered one of the top contenders in the junior categories. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by professional cyclists.
Van Kerckhove's accident highlights the importance of road safety for cyclists. The incident occurred during a training session, and the circumstances surrounding the accident are still being investigated. The cycling community has rallied around Van Kerckhove, offering support and well-wishes for a speedy recovery.
Van Kerckhove's long-term prospects remain promising, despite the setback. He had demonstrated his potential with impressive performances in recent months, and his team will likely continue to support his development. The focus now shifts to his recovery and rehabilitation, with the aim of getting him back on the road as soon as possible.
Key points
- Seff Van Kerckhove was involved in a car accident during training on Sunday, forcing him to withdraw from the World Championships.
- The 18-year-old Rwandan cyclist suffered significant injuries to his upper body and will require time to recover.
- Van Kerckhove's accident is the second major incident in less than a year, following a similar incident in December 2025.
