This Sunday 1st of June, the Booischot kermesse was the scene of a highly emotional moment with the victory of Wout Geerinckx, a young 21-year-old Belgian rider and member of the Wanty-NIPPO-ReUz development team.
Geerinckx was seriously injured in December 2023 during the collective training camp in Alicante and suffered a fracture of the femur, arm, elbow and lower leg, turning his season into a long period of rehabilitation. Returning after eight months of recovery in August 2024, he gradually regained his level before being slowed down again by a wrist fracture at the beginning of 2025 during the GP Vermarc. At 21 years old, Wout Geerinckx wrote a beautiful story of resilience by raising his arms this Sunday, winner of a tactical race where he was attentive to the decisive attack 700 meters from the finish.
This victory means a lot to me. It's an important step after all the setbacks I've experienced over the past eighteen months. Following my serious accident, everyone tried to reassure me, but in reality, my career was in danger. I armed myself with determination and continued to work hard on my recovery, with the constant support ensured by my Wanty-NIPPO-ReUz team, which gave me the necessary time to regain my place in the peloton. Even after my wrist fracture during the GP Vermarc in March, the team continued to believe in me while doubt was starting to take over me, making me wonder if all my efforts had been in vain. This victory, which I so desired, is the reward for my perseverance, and I dedicate it to my loved ones in gratitude for the unconditional support of my family and my partner. It was fantastic to celebrate it with the many supporters present. I will now take advantage of this renewed confidence to prepare for my next goals. After my wrist fracture in March, my coach Christophe and I had focused our efforts on June, with beautiful hilly races like Romsée-Stavelot-Romsée, Herbeumont, and Vresse-sur-Semois."
