Visma rider Wout van Aert misses Tour de France with elbow injury
Belgium’s Wout van Aert will miss next month’s Tour de France after sustaining an infected elbow injury during a training crash.
The 31-year-old is a crucial support rider for Visma alongside four-time Grand Tour winner Jonas Vingegaard.
He suffered the initial wound after falling in training prior to last week’s Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes stage race in France.
Hospital treatment and slow recovery
According to a statement from his team, the laceration developed an infection that failed to heal within the expected timeframe.
The Belgian was subsequently admitted to hospital to have the wound cleaned and spent one night under medical observation.
“The Tour de France is one of my main goals every year,” said the Visma rider.
“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.”
Crucial blow for Visma’s ambitions
The former Paris-Roubaix victor had been enjoying excellent form this season.
He recently defeated Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar in April’s prestigious cobbled classic.
Often regarded as the nearly man in a golden era of exceptional cycling talents, his absence will significantly impact his squad’s tactical plans.
Visma will announce a replacement rider on 23 June.
This year’s Tour de France is set to begin in Barcelona on 4 July.
