Published on : 09/13/2023
The 32-year-old Dutch rider suffered a heart problem at home a fortnight ago. Working closely with the Cofidis team's medical staff, he underwent a series of tests in an Eindhoven hospital. Although his condition is stabilised and under control, it is still too early to think about the future of his career.
Relief after the big scare. On the night of 28-29 August, Wesley Kreder suffered a heart attack at home. His wife and parents-in-law, who were present at the scene, gave him first aid before he was quickly transferred to the Catharina Hospital in Eindhoven, where he was admitted as an emergency patient.
Too early to talk about his sporting future
Wesley suffered from myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle. After several days in hospital for observation, he was allowed to return home on 6 September. His condition continues to be monitored by a cardiologist and the Cofidis team doctors. Although it is still too early to say what will happen to his sporting career, it has been decided, in conjunction with the staff, to put an end to his season so that he can recover properly. Nevertheless, his motivation to return to the highest level is intact, and Wesley should gradually return to the bike in the next week or two for short rides.
The Dutchman joined the team last year. A model team-mate and classics enthusiast (he has competed in 14 of them), the Dutch rider has competed in Ghent-Wevelgem, À Travers les Flandres and the Tour of Flanders in the last two seasons. He was forced to retire from the Tour of Poland last July, although this was not linked to his current heart problems. The whole Cofidis team wishes him a speedy recovery and hopes to see him back on the roads soon.
WESLEY'S REACTION
"I went to bed as normal on 28 August and the next day I woke up in hospital. It was really strange to find myself there, wondering what had happened and why it had come to this. I stayed in hospital for several days, undergoing a series of tests and recovering well before going home. Now I feel fine, it's hard to believe that I had a heart attack a fortnight ago. I've started walking outside, I'm still resting and looking after my two children (aged 6 and 2). I still
still need time to recover. But the doctors haven't said that I can't ride a bike again, and I hope to be able to do so in one or two weeks' time. However, it's too early to talk about the future. I'd like to say a big thank you to my family and friends, especially my partner and my parents-in-law, who have supported me through this ordeal, and to the medical teams who looked after me. I would also like to thank the Cofidis team staff and Cédric Vasseur, who have always been by my side and supported me through these difficult times. Right now it's not time to look ahead, but to recover and enjoy life. I'm so happy to be alive!