Belgian ace Wout van Aert will miss next month's Tour de France because of an elbow injury, a big blow to his team leader Jonas Vingegaard's ambition to challenge Tadej Pogacar at cycling's biggest race.
Team Visma-Lease a Bike said a in statement on Wednesday that Van Aert "is still dealing with the effects of an elbow injury and has not recovered in time to start the Tour de France at the required level."
Van Aert crashed at training before last week's Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. An infection developed in the wound on his elbow during the traditional Tour de France warm-up event, forcing him to withdraw.
His team said he spent one night under observation in hospital this week.
"It has been decided that full recovery is the priority and Van Aert's health comes first," the team said. "For this reason, he will not be included in the selection for the Tour de France."
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