Overview
- Team Visma confirmed on Wednesday that Wout van Aert will not start the Tour de France after an infection developed in a wound on his right elbow following a training crash.
- Van Aert had already abandoned the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes last week after winning a stage because the elbow injury worsened and became infected.
- The Belgian’s absence removes a key multifunctional rider who would have chased stage wins, anchored the Barcelona team time trial, and helped shield Jonas Vingegaard in the early climbs.
- Visma now must reorganize its Tour lineup and tactics for protection and stage roles as the race brings significant climbs early, including Les Angles and the Tourmalet.
- Van Aert called the decision a “great disappointment” and will focus on rehabilitation with the Vuelta and the World Championships as planned return targets, adding to a season that included a Paris–Roubaix Monument win and a recent pattern of crash-related interruptions.