A Life-Changing Moment: Nathan Van Hooydonck's Journey Beyond the Saddle
A Heart-Stopping Story
In the summer of 2023, Belgian cyclist Nathan Van Hooydonck was at the peak of his career. He had just supported his teammate Jonas Vingegaard to a second consecutive Tour de France victory, and his future looked bright. But here's where it gets controversial: Van Hooydonck's promising career came to an abrupt halt due to a life-threatening cardiac arrest.
Two months after his Vuelta win with Primož Roglič in 2021, Van Hooydonck suffered a massive heart attack while driving with his pregnant wife in Belgium. He crashed his car and, in his own words, "was dead for a little bit" before being resuscitated. This incident changed the course of his life forever.
A New Chapter Begins
Fast forward to 2024, and Van Hooydonck has found a new purpose. He returned to the cycling world, but this time, not as a rider. He took on a role in hospitality for his team, Team Jumbo-Visma, guiding VIP guests and providing them with a unique, tailored experience during races. This new role played a crucial part in his healing process, helping him accept his new reality.
"Guiding the hospitality guests during races was therapeutic," Van Hooydonck shared. "Being present at the races, seeing the action, and feeling the energy helped me tremendously in coming to terms with my new identity."
He has since joined the team's commercial department and also does media work, including commentary for TNT Sports. Van Hooydonck feels he has found his place within the team, Visma-Lease a Bike, the same team he was a part of as a professional cyclist.
The Road to Recovery and a New Perspective
Getting to this point, however, was not without its challenges. Van Hooydonck had to undergo multiple surgeries and manage the mental aftermath of the incident. He could have chosen to ignore it and pretend nothing happened, but he knew that would be dishonest.
After leaving the hospital, Van Hooydonck began his journey of recuperation, gradually getting back into exercise, albeit at a much slower pace. He had to learn to relax and enjoy exercise again, whether it was a leisurely bike ride or a game of golf.
"Now, I know my body's limits. My cardiologist reminded me how lucky I was and advised me not to push myself as I used to. I understand what I can do and what I want to do, and that makes cycling more enjoyable than it was a year ago," he shared.
Van Hooydonck now has an internal defibrillator to monitor his heart health. "It's not where people think it is; it's close to my armpit. It's constantly aware, but it hasn't needed to intervene yet. If my heart goes crazy, it regulates it. It's not a pacemaker; it doesn't control my heart rate. My heart runs freely, and the defibrillator steps in only if it goes haywire."
A Sensible Approach to Exercise
Van Hooydonck's cardiologist has given him clear guidelines on exercise: "I always need to stay under my threshold if I'm exercising for an extended period."
He understands the changes in his body and respects these limits. "My heart is different now. It's like when you break your leg and it's in a cast; when you take the cast off, all the muscle in your leg is gone. That's what's happened to my heart. It was big, as a trained athlete, but now it's shrinking, and that's a good thing."
"Two months ago, my cardiologist told me my heart was shrinking, which actually means the chance of another heart attack is small because my heart is now a normal size for someone who rides a bike now and then."
As for his competitive spirit, Van Hooydonck admits he could still beat his friends in a race, but he chooses not to. "Why should I push myself when my body has shown me how easily my life could have ended? I don't need to prove myself to anyone anymore."
Learning New Skills and Adapting
The transition to retirement was challenging, but Van Hooydonck was fortunate to have a supportive team around him. He acknowledges that he wasn't living in a bubble, except during the Tour de France.
"I'm grateful to my former team for seeing beyond just the rider Nathan van Hooydonck. They recognize my value as a person, and that's special."
Van Hooydonck has been figuring out his role in the commercial department and learning the basics of a desk job, which is a new experience for him.
"I've had to start working for the first time, but I've also had to learn how to work. I didn't know how to build a PowerPoint, fill in numbers in a spreadsheet, or keep an agenda. It's been a challenge, but I'm determined to make the best of it."
The Decision to Retire
Van Hooydonck was tempted to get back on the bike and try competitive cycling again, but he knew it wasn't an option. He asked his dad if he thought he could ever be a cyclist again, and his dad's response was telling: "We'll see about that."
"I knew then it was over. My wife didn't say I couldn't cycle anymore, but I just felt in my heart that it was over. I didn't ask doctors if I could do this or that; I knew it was a clear sign that I had to retire."
"I'm very lucky to still be here. I didn't feel the need to be smarter than my cardiologist, who's the best in Belgium. It wasn't my decision, and I'm at peace with that."
A Reminder for All Athletes
Van Hooydonck's experience serves as a reminder that even the fittest individuals are not immune to heart issues. This is especially true for men, who are more prone to heart problems than women, likely due to the protective role of the hormone estrogen.
He urges anyone taking on a major endurance challenge to see a cardiologist first. "The risk of a heart attack goes beyond those who've already had an issue. Even if you're healthy, it's worth getting checked out. It'll give you the freedom to ride safely, knowing your heart is in good shape."
"Your body is your temple, and you only get one. Take care of it. Some people are untrained and go completely over the limit. Be responsible for yourself and your family. If you're scared to get checked, ask yourself, would you rather know and be healthy, or not know and risk it? It's a responsibility to take care of your body."
Van Hooydonck's story is a powerful reminder that health should always come first, and sometimes, accepting a new path is the bravest decision one can make.
