Published On: 8 juni 2026
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WWhat was supposed to be a sporting challenge in Kassel, France, ended in a true nightmare for Kristof Van Vaerenbergh. The Belgian motocross rider suffered a heavy fall during the prestigious Trophée Timoteï Potisek and has been fighting for his recovery for two weeks now. The internal injuries sustained proved so severe that multiple surgeries were necessary.

Serious crash in Kassel with severe consequences

On Whit Monday, Kristof Van Vaerenbergh lined up at the start of the international race in Kassel, better known as the Trophée Timoteï Potisek. Among renowned names such as Cyril Genot, Cédric Soubeyras, and Milko Potisek, the cyclocross rider from Nieuwerkerken wanted to measure himself against the international elite once again.

However, that ambition took a dramatic turn when Van Vaerenbergh suffered a heavy fall. Race officials immediately realized the seriousness of the situation and stopped the race with a red flag. After initial medical attention at the circuit, he was transferred to the hospital in Armentières.

Serious internal injuries after the crash

In the hospital, it became clear how serious the Belgian's condition was. In addition to a broken hand and a broken rib, he sustained primarily severe internal injuries. Three tears were found in his left kidney, two tears in the spleen, and a perforated bladder.

Due to the complexity of the injuries, Van Vaerenbergh was transferred to the University Hospital of Lille. There he underwent two operations: one on the kidney and one on the bladder.

Subsequently, a transfer to Ghent University Hospital followed, where new complications emerged. High fever attacks turned out to be caused by a bacterial infection. Due to damage to the kidney and bladder, urine had ended up in places where it should not be, resulting in a severe inflammatory reaction.

Fourteen days after the crash, Van Vaerenbergh is still in the intensive care unit.

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Season ended abruptly

The serious injury also means that a number of planned races have to be cancelled. For instance, Van Vaerenbergh had been preparing to participate in the legendary Ainduro of Pont-de-Vaux, both in the solo category and in the 12-hour quad race together with his partner Kelly Verbraeken.

To prepare optimally, he participated in the Loon-Plage Spring Race on a quad in early May. There, starting from the second wave, he achieved a respectable 28th and 21st place among 89 participants. Planned participation in the Goncourt Quad Endurance and the Rasi-Quad 10 Heures has also been removed from his calendar due to unforeseen circumstances.

End of his international career

Moreover, the severe crash has made Van Vaerenbergh reflect on his future in the sport. The Belgian has since decided not to return to international competition.

“To participate in these international competitions in France, you have to take the necessary risks. I’m not willing to do that anymore,” he says.

His full focus is now on recovery. In addition, he wants to devote himself even more to guiding his partner Kelly Verbraeken, whom he has already successfully coached over the past seasons.

He does not want to announce a definitive farewell to motocross for the time being.

“I have achieved a lot, including the MX2 titles in the Hauts-de-France region in 2016 and 2021, and last year’s victory in the Ainduro Pont-de-Vaux and the FFM Hauts-de-France endurance championship. If my body fully recovers, I do not rule out a return to an amateur federation. But the ambition to perform at an international level and chase results is behind me.”

Article photo (Start of the Timoteï Potisek Trophy): DM Photo – Text: Matthias Van Eeckhoven