Tim Declercq to miss classics season due to Pericarditis

The Tractor, as he his fondly nicknamed within the Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team, will miss out on the classics season. Tim Declercq was diagnosed with pericarditis and will take several weeks off the bike.

"Started the season really well and I felt ready to give my best for the Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team boys, but a few hours after the 1th stage of Algarve I felt really bad. We didn’t knew immediately what it was but later I was diagnosed with pericarditis," Declercq said.

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He reassured though that the situation would not have long-term effects: "Symptoms are gone and there will be no long term negative effects but we will follow doctors advice, spent the next weeks off the bike."

He went on to complete: "Cheering for the wolfpack with little bit of a bleeding heart (figuratively) missing my beloved classic(s). We we do try to come back stronger then ever."  

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Declercq is consistently a key rider in the Belgian team's lineup at the classics season, frequently being road captain, controlling breakaways and attacks and having his own moments of glory. He recently completed the Saudi Tour where he finished in an impressive fourth place overall. In the coming weeks new information should arise regarding a possible return to competition.