Van Wilder forced out of Ardennes Classics as lingering illness takes its toll

The Belgian rider confirmed on social media that he has been struggling since picking up a viral infection during Tirreno–Adriatico and has not been able to return to the level he expects of himself.

“Since a viral infection I had in Tirreno–Adriatico, I never really felt like myself again,” said Van Wilder. “I’ve been struggling and suffering since then, nowhere near the feeling or level I should have. It’s time to let the body recover and do some research and tests to find out what’s going on.”

Van Wilder abandoned Tirreno–Adriatico before stage 5 and has been limping through races ever since. He managed a strong third place on stage 3 of Itzulia Basque Country but faded badly as the week went on, finishing 104th on stage 5 before abandoning on the final day. Sunday’s Amstel Gold Race told a similar story, where he finished 90th.

It marks a sharp contrast to the start of his season, when an eleventh place finish in the general classification at the UAE Tour suggested his form was building nicely. Whatever he picked up in Italy appears to have undone that progress entirely.

The 25-year-old hopes to return for the second half of the season, although no specific target has been set. 

Missing the Ardennes is a blow for Ilan Van Wilder, who has often described Liège–Bastogne–Liège as his favourite race. While a standout result there has so far eluded him, his best finish remains 22nd in 2023, alongside a pair of top 20 finishes at La Flèche Wallonne.

The timing makes the setback even more frustrating. With Remco Evenepoel now riding for Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe, this was expected to be the year Van Wilder would lead his own campaign in the Ardennes rather than ride in support of his former teammate. His 22nd place at Liège in 2023 came while working for Evenepoel, who went on to win the race that day. The chance to see what he could do with full freedom will now have to wait.

The absence of Van Wilder from the Ardennes Classics adds to a growing list of high profile withdrawals. Earlier, riders including Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek), Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), Maxim Van Gils (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Matteo Jorgenson (Team Visma | Lease a Bike), and Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost) have also been forced to miss the races.