Wout van Aert: 'I cannot train at all' - Visma-Lease a Bike star confirms Giro d’Italia withdrawal

Updated 11/04/2024 at 14:29 GMT

Wout van Aert has confirmed he will miss the Giro d’Italia to prioritise his recovery from a huge crash at Dwars door Vlaanderen last month. The Belgian had targeted the first Grand Tour of the season as one of his big priorities this year, but having broken his collarbone and several ribs, he has not been able to train, leading to his withdrawal from the Giro, which starts on May 4.

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Wout van Aert said he was “really disappointed” after pulling out of next month’s Giro d’Italia due to injury.

The Belgian Visma-Lease a Bike rider is still recovering from a heavy crash at the Dwars door Vlaanderen two weeks ago, which resulted in a broken collarbone, fractured ribs and a broken sternum.

Van Aert had targeted the Giro, which will be live on Eurosport and discovery+ from May 4, as one of his big objectives for the year.

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Earlier this week he posted on Strava that he had been able to have a “first shower in 12 days” as he continues his recovery.

“I’m really happy to tell you that I’m doing well, I’m recovering from all my injuries at the moment after my crash in Dwars door Vlaanderen,” Van Aert said in a video message on social media.

“A lot of injuries are quite good at the moment but my ribs are still a limiting factor, so at this point I cannot train at all.

“[I’m] trying to do my first pedal strokes on the bike but not enough to be able to train, that’s why we made the decision to not start at the Giro d’Italia.

“It’s a big shame, I’m really disappointed to miss my second big goal of the season, but at this moment I need to prioritise my health and I need to give my body time to recover.”

Van Aert was due to be on the start line for the Giro, where Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) will go off as favourite, with Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) also in the field.

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