Why Van Aert's Tour absence was a 'difficult but easy' decision for Visma

The Belgian suffered an elbow injury in a training crash ahead of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and despite winning stage 4, he abandoned the race the following morning as the wound had become infected.

On Wednesday, Visma confirmed Daniel Benson's report that Van Aert would not ride the Tour de France.

“After his victory in the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, his elbow became very swollen,” Heijboer told Het Laatste Nieuws. “The following morning there were signs of infection, so we didn’t hesitate to send him back to Belgium. The situation had deteriorated quite rapidly.”

Visma had withdrawn Van Aert from the Dauphiné as a precaution but on his return to Belgium, it became increasingly clear that the infected wound might prevent him from riding the Tour de France.

When Van Aert had the wound cleaned in hospital in Herentals earlier this week, the decision was taken to keep him in observation overnight. Heijboer credited the staff in Herentals for ensuring that the infection did not develop into sepsis. 

“It’s a bacterial infection that developed during the race, as there had been no cause for concern prior to that,” Heijboer said. “How did the bacteria get in? That’s a mystery. 

“At one point, it was a very serious situation, otherwise he wouldn’t have been admitted. He’s doing better now, though, as the treatment is taking effect. Our main concern, of course, is Wout’s health. Thanks to the prompt action of the medical staff and Dr Steven Claes there, a worse outcome was prevented.” 

Het Laatste Nieuws reports that Van Aert was discharged from hospital on Tuesday, but he is still reporting for daily checkups while he takes antibiotics. In the circumstances, Visma decided to take a swift decision to rule Van Aert out of the Tour, where he would have been a key supporting rider for Jonas Vingegaard.

“We didn’t want to create a high-pressure situation where he had to make the Tour,” Heijboer said. “It was a difficult decision, but at the same time an easy one. There wasn’t much doubt about whether or not to start – the situation was very clear.”

It remains to be seen who will replace Van Aert in the Visma line-up, which will be announced on June 23. It marks the first time Van Aert will miss the Tour since he joined Visma in 2019, and he has won ten stages at the race over the years, including the finale in Paris last July.

“Jonas is also hugely disappointed, because he knows what a vital role Wout played in him winning the yellow jersey. He is an irreplaceable link,” said Heijboer.

Van Aert’s programme for the remainder of the season has yet to be confirmed, though he was initially scheduled to ride both the Tour and the Vuelta a España this season. The Belgian scored the most prestigious and emotionally charged victory of his career in April when he outsprinted Tadej Pogacar to win a tumultuous edition of Paris-Roubaix.

“The worst of the pain is over. It’s still tender, but already much better than it was at the weekend,” Heijboer said. “Afterwards, we’ll look at what plans we’re going to make for the rest of the year.”