Injured Van Aert to miss Tour de France

New Delhi, India Jul 1, 2026 ALN: Belgium's Wout van Aert is set to miss next month's Tour de France with an elbow injury.

The 31-year-old, who won the prestigious Paris-Roubaix in April, is a key rider for his team Visma, alongside four-time Grand Tour winner Jonas Vingegaard. Van Aert has been a prominent figure in professional , known for his versatility as a rider, excelling in both one-day classics and stage races. His absence from the Tour de France is significant not only for his team but also for the overall competitive landscape of the race.

Van Aert suffered the injury after falling during a training session prior to last week's Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes stage race in France, which led to an infection in his elbow. Injuries in professional are not uncommon, particularly in training, where riders often push their limits to prepare for high-stakes events like the Tour de France. However, the nature of this injury, coupled with the subsequent infection, has proven to be a setback for Van Aert, who has expressed disappointment at missing one of the biggest events in the calendar.

"The Tour de France is one of my main goals every year. 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," said Van Aert. His statement reflects the emotional toll that such injuries can take on athletes, particularly when they are unable to compete at their desired level. The Tour de France is not only a showcase of endurance and skill but also a platform for riders to solidify their legacies in the .

According to a statement from Visma, the wound was cleaned in hospital, where he spent "one night under observation," but it has failed to heal in time for the upcoming race. The team's medical staff will continue to monitor Van Aert's recovery, but the timeline for healing from an infection can be unpredictable, further complicating his potential return to competition.

Van Aert is often seen as the nearly man in a golden era of stand-out talents in . Despite his remarkable achievements, including victories in prestigious races, he has sometimes been overshadowed by the likes of Tadej Pogacar and others. His victory at the Paris-Roubaix, where he triumphed over four-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar, had raised expectations for his performance in the Tour de France. His absence will undoubtedly leave a gap in the competition, as he was expected to be a key contender for stage wins and possibly the overall classification.

Visma will announce Van Aert's replacement on 23 June, with the Tour de France set to start in Barcelona on 4 July. The team will need to strategize carefully, as they will be without one of their most dynamic riders. The selection of a replacement will be critical in maintaining the team's competitiveness. As the world looks ahead to the Tour de France, the implications of Van Aert's injury extend beyond just his individual performance; they affect team dynamics, race strategies, and the overall excitement of the event. The absence of such a talented rider raises questions about how teams will adapt and which riders will step up to fill the void left by his injury.