Sven Nys calls UCI delay "very bizarre" is Toon Aerts' suspension case

Toon Aerts tested positive for Letrozole on the 19th of January in an out-of-competition test and has since had very little updates. Baloise - Trek Lions manager Sven Nys is unhappy with the situation, and is demanding answers from the UCI.

“I want to get answers for once. An acceleration in communication," Nys said in an interview with Wielerflits. "Whether that is negative or positive. But we don't know anything more than seven months after the date. This is frustrating for everyone. Of course, it is not allowed to go ice cream overnight. I realize that too. But why does it have to take so long?"

Aerts, the winner of the X20 Badkamers Trofee, had the positive test result towards the end of the season, hence not affecting his schedule meaningfully. However with the new season set to start in the coming weeks, Nys is looking for answers: "This is not good for anyone. Not for the reputation for the UCI, not for the rider in question and not for the team that pays him. We have continued to support him even though he has been inactive since February. That is financially a tough one for a team whose rider does not compete.”

“Very bizarre, that way of working. We are a third party and have to get our information through the rider, but they are also in the dark. And when a question is put to the UCI, it sometimes takes two months before a response is received. But now we really want answers. Not just rider and team, but also our sponsors," he added.

The men's Elite team is set to be led by Lars van der Haar, with Pim Ronhaar and Thibau Nys also as options, and leading riders in the under-23 category. Aert's presence is important however, and the Belgian has not stopped training since the news broke. “My greatest admiration for that. Toon did not give up, but quickly turned the tide and has been working hard for months. During tests he pedals wattages that he never achieved before. He has released his frustration on the bike," Nys said. 

“Is there still a chance that he will stay with us longer? Never say never, but if things turn out well for his case, he may be on his way to another story," he reveals. "But we're going to handle that properly anyway. We have had a lot of fun with Toon in recent years and I hope that we will continue to do so in the coming months, preferably as soon as possible. Everything is ready for the start of the season.”