Overview
- Visma-Lease a Bike announced Wednesday that Wout van Aert will not start the Tour de France because an infected elbow wound from a training crash has prevented proper recovery.
- The crash happened on a time-trial training ride days before the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Van Aert abandoned that race, missing stage 6 and spending a night under hospital observation for the infection.
- Sporting director Marc Reef said the team studied options but chose health first and will name Van Aert’s replacement on June 23 at the squad presentation.
- Van Aert, who won Paris-Roubaix in April, had been slated to serve as a key lieutenant and sprint threat for Jonas Vingegaard, so his absence changes Visma’s tactical profile for the race.
- Van Aert said he is focused on rehabilitation and hopes to return later in the season with the Vuelta starting August 22 as a possible target if he heals well.