Wout van Aert will miss next month’s Tour de France after an elbow injury and an infection linked to a crash during training. Team Visma-Lease a Bike says he has not recovered in time, prioritizing full recovery and his health.
Wout van Aert’s Tour de France is over before it begins. The Belgian rider will not start next month’s race after Team Visma-Lease a Bike confirmed he is still dealing with the effects of an elbow injury and has not recovered in time to compete at the required level.
The decision lands as a blow to Jonas Vingegaard’s ambition to challenge Tadej Pogacar at cycling’s biggest event. Van Aert was expected to play a key supporting role for the two-time Tour de France champion. bringing his versatility to a team built around delivering someone to the front when it matters most.
Team Visma-Lease a Bike said the problem started when Van Aert crashed at training before last week’s Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. An infection developed in the wound on his elbow during the traditional Tour de France warm-up event, forcing him to withdraw.
This week, the team added that Van Aert spent one night under observation in hospital. In the statement, the team made the priority clear: “full recovery is the priority and Van Aert’s health comes first,” which is why he will not be included in the selection for the Tour de France.
Van Aert’s absence also reshapes what his season had been building toward. Earlier this season. he beat Pogacar in a dramatic sprint to the line to win the prestigious Paris-Roubaix one-day classic for the first time. The 31-year-old rider has won 10 Tour de France stages. a record that shows how much he brings to the biggest days—especially when the race turns into a test of nerve as well as speed.
His message after the call was blunt about what he feels. “It has been of course a big disappointment. The Tour de France is one of my main goals every year. My full focus is now on my recovery so I can return to my best level later this season.”
There will be no quick fix for the team’s plans. Van Aert’s replacement will be announced on June 23, when Team Visma-Lease a Bike unveils its roster for the event.
Wout van Aert Tour de France elbow injury Team Visma-Lease a Bike Jonas Vingegaard Tadej Pogacar Paris-Roubaix Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes