"His health comes first": Wout van Aert will not be at the 2026 Tour de France

Wout van Aert will not race in the 2026 Tour de France. The Visma Lease a Bike team confirmed this Wednesday that the Belgian has not recovered in time from the elbow injury sustained during a fall in a training session prior to the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and that, therefore, he will be one of the most notable absences in the upcoming Grande Boucle.

A setback for Visma and Vingegaard: Van Aert does not make it in time for the Tour

The news ends several days of uncertainty regarding Van Aert's physical condition. Although the rider managed to win a stage of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, he ended up abandoning the race after an infection unexpectedly developed in the elbow wound.

According to the Dutch team, the situation worsened in recent days to the point that this week the rider had to return to the hospital for a new cleaning of the wound and stay overnight for medical observation.

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After evaluating the evolution of the injury with the medical staff and the team's performance managers, Visma Lease a Bike has chosen to prioritize the complete recovery of the cyclist over hastening his return to competition.

"Of course, this is a great disappointment. The Tour de France is one of my main goals every year," Van Aert explained in statements released by the team.

"Unfortunately, a fall during training disrupted all plans, and the injury to my elbow has worsened and has not yet healed sufficiently. Together with the team, we have concluded that it is not possible to face the Tour in top form. Now all my attention is focused on recovery to return to my best level later this season," he added.

This absence represents a significant setback for Visma Lease a Bike. Van Aert was expected to play a crucial role both in the pursuit of stage victories and in supporting Jonas Vingegaard during the fight for the general classification.

Sports director Marc Reef acknowledged that the team explored all possible alternatives before making the final decision.

"Wout is one of the most important riders on our team, and obviously, we would have loved to have him at the start of the Tour," Reef pointed out.

"In recent days, we have explored all options, but in the end, his health comes first. With the recovery process he needs, it is not possible for him to reach his best level in time for the Tour de France. It is a shame that he will not be there, but we are convinced that this is the right decision for his recovery and for the rest of his season."

Visma Lease a Bike has also confirmed that it will announce on June 23 who will take Van Aert's place in the final lineup for the 2026 Tour de France.