Wout van Aert Tour de France setback - Belgian star did not travel to altitude training camp with Visma teammates
Cycling
Wout van Aert's race against the clock to be fit for the Tour de France is on. The Belgian star recovers from an elbow wound infection, caused initially by a training crash two weeks ago, and will take his reovery "day by day".
Arriving at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes with bandages on his elbow, the 31-year-old appeared affected by his injuries before bouncing back on stage 5 to take a bunch sprint victory. But celebrations turned to concern as it was later confirmed he'd leave the race and return to Belgium.
With the wound on his elbow in particular becoming inflammed, and the rider experiencing increased pain, he had a check-up before confirmation of the infection. This has led to doubts around his planned altitude training camp with teammates for the Tour de France in Tignes.
Van Aert doesn't arrive at altitude training camp
A Sunday update from Sporza commentator Christophe Vandegoor, who had spoken with Van Aert’s manager, Jef Vandebosch, revealed that its believed the position on the time trial bike aggravated the wound and led to the infection - with the aero position on the specialised bike's bar the culprit.
Sporza's Vandegoor said: "The wound was treated at Herentals Hospital. They believe the irritation was exacerbated by being in the time-trial bar during the team time trial."
Het Nieuwsblad have now reported that van Aert did not travel on Monday with the team. There has been no confirmation on whether he will later join the camp or whether it impacts his Tour de France.
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July 4th countdown begins for Visma and van Aert
With the Tour's Grand Depart just less than two weeks away, and the nature of the first stage being a demanding high-intensity team time trial, time is not on the side of the Paris Roubaix winner.
July 4th is the key date now for van Aert. Although not under pressure to be in absolute top shape from the off of a grand tour, Visma will be keen to get off to a strong start and were likely backing on a strong van Aert in the team time trial.
Leader Jonas Vingegaard is aiming to win his third Tour de France title, but knows that in his way is Tadej Pogacar - who races himself in the upcoming Tour de Suisse on Thursday.
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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Rafionain-Glas04-11-2026 - maybe this is something else they can protest in the streets of France.mij04-11-2026
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