"I’ve been struggling since Tirreno": Persistent virus rules Ilan Van Wilder out of Ardennes

Ilan Van Wilder spent much of his career in the shadow of his peer Remco Evenepoel, even more so since he joined Soudal - Quick-Step at the end of 2021. That is why, despite having what appears to be a perfect skill set for Ardennes classics, Van Wilder is yet to enter a top-10 in any of Amstel Gold Race, La Fleche Wallone or Liege-Bastogne-Liege. And unfortunately, his wait will extend for another season as, following a 90th place at Amstel, the 25-year-old Belgian's body gave in to an illness and won't allow Van Wilder to participate in Fleche nor Liege this week.

"Since a viral infection I had in Tirreno-Adriatico, I never really felt like myself again," Van Wilder explains the hardship he's been enduring since one month ago. "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."

Thus, it was only logical for the team to withdraw the struggling rider from the two upcoming events where anything but 100% is too little to compete for a top result.

"Gutted to miss my favorite races but hopefully I can focus soon on the second part of the season," he concludes, looking ahead to his planned Tour de France participation this summer.

Ilan Van Wilder kicked off 2026 with a good ride at UAE Tour where he demonstrated his explosiveness to finish 6th in the challenging uphill sprint to Liwa Palace. The Belgian maintained a steady level throughout the week to wrap up the race in 11th overall. However an abandon at Tirreno-Adriatico, and a month later also at the Itzulia Basque Country were a massive setback as Van Wilder's form was already on a roller coaster ride due to the infection.

Even though Van Wilder was going to be a crucial piece in Soudal's puzzle for Fleche Wallonne, the Belgian team still has multiple capable pawns ready to compete this Wednesday with lightweight climber Valentin Paret-Peintre and 2026 Amstel 7th place Mauri Vansevenant as more than solid alternatives.