Injured Van Aert to miss Tour de France

Wout van Aert will miss the Tour de France due to an elbow injury sustained in a crash during the Dwars door Vlaanderen race on March 27, 2024. The Belgian cyclist's team, Visma-Lease a Bike, confirmed on June 10, 2024, that the injury has not healed sufficiently for him to participate in the Grand Tour. Van Aert had initially aimed to return for the Giro d'Italia, but this was also ruled out. His participation in the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris remains uncertain. The injury occurred when Van Aert collided with a barrier in the Dwars door Vlaanderen race, resulting in a broken collarbone and several rib fractures. This setback significantly impacts his season, as the Tour de France was a key objective. The team stated that Van Aert's recovery is progressing, but the severity of the injuries requires more time before he can resume competitive cycling.