De Lie admits costly Tour de France mistake as health concerns follow him to Tudor

Arnaud De Lie has admitted he may have pushed himself too hard in his attempt to return in time for the 2026 Tour de France, as the Belgian prepares to leave Lotto after six years and begin a new chapter with Tudor Pro Cycling.

The 24-year-old endured another frustrating campaign in 2026, winning just twice and abandoning both the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France through illness. While the setbacks have raised further questions about his physical condition, De Lie insists he is approaching the winter with renewed confidence.

"I'm doing very well. It's a continuation of how I felt towards the end of the season, when I was feeling at my best, even though I didn't manage to add another victory," De Lie told La Dernière Heure.

De Lie stopped short of describing the season as cursed, arguing that the difficult periods could prove valuable later in his career. His two victories, at the Famenne Ardenne Classic and the Tour de Wallonie, were overshadowed by repeated interruptions that prevented him from building any lasting momentum.

His early departure from the Giro was particularly frustrating, coming only days after his victory in Marche-en-Famenne. By the time the Tour de France arrived, De Lie was determined to make up for lost opportunities, a decision he now believes may have been counterproductive.

"I think I tried to come back too quickly. I had trained too hard, and it ended up working against me. It's never good to chase lost time."

The Belgian's health has been a concern since he was diagnosed with Lyme disease in March 2024. Whether the condition is still contributing to his problems remains unclear, including to De Lie himself.

"I hear all sorts of things about this disease. There are plenty of specialists, but few who really specialise in it," he said.

"Today, I honestly don't know whether my body is still dealing with side effects."

That uncertainty has reinforced his determination to put his physical wellbeing ahead of immediate results.

"I'm convinced that if I can put these setbacks behind me, I can achieve great results again. But my health is my number one priority."

De Lie's departure from Lotto brings an end to a six-year association with the Belgian team. He revealed that his decision to move on had already been made by mid-May, with the prospect of a new sporting environment proving increasingly attractive.

"They say the grass isn't greener on the other side. I believe what matters is how you nurture it. I feel the need to chase new challenges," he said.

"I was immediately attracted by the long-term vision of Tudor's management. I also felt they had complete confidence in me."

Tudor do not hold WorldTour status, but De Lie expects the Swiss team to receive invitations to the calendar's biggest events. The presence of Fabian Cancellara, one of his favourite riders growing up, added to the attraction, as well as the direct approach of the Swiss organisation.

"What I like about the Swiss is that they don't beat around the bush when they explain something," he said. "They're direct."

De Lie has also settled into a new home in Jodoigne, where he lives with his partner. The move has changed his training routine considerably. After years of largely solitary rides in the Ardennes, he now regularly heads out with Lars Craps, Lionel Taminiaux, Mathijs Paasschens and Floris Van Tricht.

He has yet to confirm his race schedule for 2027, with two training camps planned before his Tudor debut.