Wout van Aert will not start the Tour de France after struggling to recover from a recent elbow injury, Visma-Lease a Bike confirmed on Wednesday morning.
What happened?
The surprise news came after Van Aert had to abandon the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and then missed the start of Visma's altitude training camp in Tignes as a result of the elbow injury.
Van Aert sustained the injury in a crash a week before the renamed Dauphiné.
Why it matters for Wout van Aert
An infection unexpectedly developed in the wound, leading to a night in the hospital for Van Aert.
Visma's medical staff, the performance coaches, and Van Aert decided that his recovery and health should come first.
What comes next?
"This is of course a big disappointment, the Tour de France is one of my main goals every year," said Van Aert on Visma's website.
Unfortunately, a crash during training has put a spanner in the works, and the injury to my elbow has worsened and has still not healed sufficiently.
Van Aert and the team concluded that starting the Tour in top form is not feasible at this point.
The decision was made to prioritize Van Aert's recovery and health over participating in the Tour de France.
Van Aert's absence will be a big blow to Visma-Lease a Bike and Jonas Vingegaard's support.
The team will have to adjust their strategy without Van Aert.
Van Aert's injury is a significant setback for the team.
The Tour de France is a major event in the road cycling calendar.
Van Aert's participation was highly anticipated.
The injury will keep Van Aert out of the Tour de France, which starts on July 1.
Van Aert's recovery time is uncertain.
The team will provide updates on Van Aert's condition.
Van Aert's fans will be disappointed by the news.
The Tour de France will go on without Van Aert.
Visma-Lease a Bike will have to find a way to compensate for Van Aert's absence.
The team's chances of winning the Tour de France have decreased.
Van Aert's injury is a reminder of the risks involved in road cycling.
The sport is physically demanding and injuries can happen at any time.
Van Aert's health and recovery are the top priority.
The team will support Van Aert during his recovery.
Van Aert will work hard to regain his fitness and return to competition.
The road to recovery will be challenging for Van Aert.
But he is determined to come back stronger.
Van Aert's fans will be waiting for his return.
The cycling world will be watching Van Aert's progress.
Van Aert's injury is a setback, but he will bounce back.
The Tour de France will be a major target for Van Aert in the future.
He will work hard to be ready for the next edition.
Van Aert's goal is to return to the top of the sport.
He will do everything possible to achieve it.