"It will still take some time before he’s back to his old self" - Wout van Aert on the mend as Visma | Lease a Bike issue update

Wout van Aert might have already had the chance to jump back on his bike as he recovers from an infection of an elbow wound. But the Tour de France will definitely come soon as his team warned that it may be a while until we see the Belgian back to his best.

The Paris-Roubaix winner crashed in training at the beginning of June days before the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes that left him with an injured elbow. However, during the WorldTour race, the wound became infected and forced him to leave the race despite taking a stage win.

Tests in Belgium confirmed that the wound became infected and that he required minor surgery and antibiotics. Initially, both rider and team postponed a decision on the Tour de France but last week it was confirmed that he won't take to the start on July 4th. Sports Director Marc Reef highlighted the blow of losing van Aert.

"Of course, it's a big blow that Wout can't join us. And it's also very difficult to replace a rider like Wout. Over the past few years, he has made the difference so many times during the Grand Tours we've won," Reef said during the team presentation.

Not only is van Aert a strong rider, but Reef highlighted his influence on the culture and cohesion within the team, indicating that he embodies the Dutch team's culture best.

"He also embodies the culture we have within the team. On top of that, he’s a leader in the group; he always leads from the front and fully supports our plans. That’s obviously something we’re going to miss tremendously."

Reef insisted that health was the primary factor in their decision to leave van Aert at home in July. Van Aert's recovery has began to move forward, however, and he has gotten back on the saddle.

“At the same time, we have to consider his health. Given his situation—and the fact that he had to withdraw from the Dauphiné—we unfortunately had to make the decision not to let him start next month.”

Reef concluded: "His recovery is continuing to go well. He was back on his bike yesterday, but it will still take some time before he’s back to his old self."

He was replaced by Davide Piganzoli as the Dutch team named their Tour line-up. The Italian climber enjoyed a strong Giro d'Italia in support of Jonas Vingegaard, and will link up with the Dane once again as he attempts to take a third Grand Boucle.