Wout van Aert had already had the time-trial off his plan as Jumbo-Visma are completing a training camp in Tignes currently, but the Belgian champion has now also been forced out of the road race.
Due to Covid-19 fears several teams have pulled out some of their main riders off the national championships in order to increase safety and chances of starting the Tour de France. However last year's winner has been suffering from a minor knee irritation after banging his knee on the handlebars during a training ride.
"I think it's a real shame that I can't defend my jersey. I would normally never forgo a Belgian championship," the Belgian said in a press release. "I also regret missing the time trial because it just didn't fit the schedule. However, this is the wisest decision because I don't want to jeopardize the Tour".
This Sunday's race in Middelkerke was one suited to the sprinters in which van Aert would be one of the main favourites. Riders such as Tim Merlier, Jasper Philipsen, Arnaud de Lie and other sprinters will be chasing the Belgian colours.
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.@WoutvanAert will not be at the start of the Belgian cycling championships. He hit his knee during a training session, which caused minor irritation in the past few days. “This is the wisest decision because I don't want to jeopardize the Tour.” Read more⬇️
