"He's already suffering from it himself" - What is going on with Arnaud de Lie?

Arnaud De Lie’s tough start to the 2025 season continues, as the Lotto rider has been forced to make changes to his spring calendar. The Belgian national champion, once seen as a major contender for the cobbled classics this year, did not take the start at the E3 Saxo Classic on Friday. He is still scheduled to ride Gent Wevelgem on Sunday, but expectations have been tempered.

Despite his talent and the high hopes placed on him, De Lie’s current condition has raised concerns within his team. "E3 is a race that wasn't really a priority in his schedule. It all depended on his fitness. We're not going to hide it, he's way behind on a lot of things for several reasons," team manager Stéphane Heulot told RTBF.

“There’s still a lot of work to do. The ball is in his court, we're doing everything we can to support him. But this Friday would have been too big an addition to the race with Gent Wevelgem, which is more likely to suit him. We know, however, that it will be difficult to play a leading role there."

While the short-term picture may look bleak, Heulot remains supportive and optimistic about De Lie’s long-term future. "It's always difficult not to be on time for the train. We know that the classics are important for him, for us, for our partners. Obviously, it's sad, but he's already suffering from it himself. We know almost all the solutions and the path to follow. The season is still long, even if we're having trouble planning for the medium term."

Heulot was keen to remind fans and critics alike that De Lie’s age and career stage should be kept in perspective. "The life of a top-level athlete is never a bed of roses. He's only 23. Where were Philipsens or Van der Poels at the same age? They've grown up and built up their skills. Arnaud needs that too. It's not Lyme disease. There are no excuses."