Wout van Aert's to support Jonas Vingegaard at Tour de France: "Our main goal is, of course, to ride a top classification with Jonas"

Wout van Aert initially intended to focus on the cobbled classics, Giro d'Italia and Olympic Games this year. This plan went sideways at Dwars door Vlaanderen as the Belgian suffered a brutal crash and injuries that prevented him from doing the first two. With a complete new schedule in front of him, it has now been confirmed that van Aert will race the Tour de France - and in support of Jonas Vingegaard.

In a press release issued by the team, Visma shared the words of Van Aert ahead of the Tour de France: "I am really looking forward to the Tour de France. Of course, this was not the plan initially, but after my development in the last weeks, I really wanted it, and the team agreed. Our main goal is, of course, to ride a top classification with Jonas. I want to contribute to that with an excellent team."

Van Aert does not talk about his own ambitions, which is a sign that he will not be aiming at the green jersey, and will likely - as last year chase his own opportunities if given the chance, but have as the priority supporting the Dane who is also returning to competition next week. Van Aert has spent the last few weeks in Tignes at altitude with Vingegaard, after a return to racing at the Tour of Norway. He is expected to save himself throughout several days in the Tour, as he focuses on the Olympic Games that come in the weeks after.

"Just like Jonas, Wout has had to deal with a considerable physical and mental blow. But once again, Wout has shown himself to be a rock-solid champion," team DS Merijn Zeeman said of the Belgian. "His class as an athlete and leadership qualities add value to our team. We are happy to have Jonas and Wout at the start, together with an excellent team. And also in this unique Renaissance [jersey] that was unveiled today."