Wout van Aert will miss the Tour de France due to an elbow injury, a significant setback for the Belgian rider.
What happened?
Van Aert crashed during training before the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and an infection developed in the wound on his elbow.
He spent one night under observation in hospital this week.
The 31-year-old Van Aert has won 10 Tour de France stages.
Why it matters for Wout van Aert
This injury is a big disappointment for Van Aert, who beat Tadej Pogacar in a dramatic sprint to win the Paris-Roubaix one-day classic for the first time earlier this season.
Van Aert's health comes first, and his team has decided that full recovery is the priority.
What comes next?
Van Aert's replacement will be announced on June 23, when the Team Visma | Lease a Bike roster for the event will be unveiled.
The Tour starts on July 4.
Van Aert has won prestigious races, including the Paris-Roubaix.
He is a versatile rider capable of winning on all ground.
And his absence will be felt by his team.
But Van Aert is focused on his recovery.
So he can return to his best level later this season.
Van Aert's team, Team Visma | Lease a Bike, will have to adjust without him.
The team said Van Aert's health is the top priority.
Van Aert has been dealing with the effects of the elbow injury.
He has not recovered in time to start the Tour de France at the required level.
The injury is a significant blow to Jonas Vingegaard's hopes.
Vingegaard is a two-time Tour de France champion.
Van Aert would have been a key teammate for Vingegaard.
Van Aert's experience and skills will be missed.
The Tour de France is one of Van Aert's main goals every year.
He is determined to recover and return to competition.
Van Aert's fans will have to wait to see him in action again.
The Belgian rider is a fan favorite.
He has a strong record in the Tour de France.
Van Aert has won stages in the Tour de France.
He is a talented rider with a lot to offer.
The injury is a setback for Van Aert and his team.
But they will move forward and focus on the future.
Van Aert will work on his recovery.
He will aim to return to competition later this season.
The Tour de France will go on without Van Aert.
But he will be back, and he will be ready to compete.