Wout van Aert Departs Tour to Be with Wife for the Arrival of Their Second Child

 

Jumbo-Visma rider Wout van Aert has withdrawn from the Tour de France in order to be by his wife Sarah's side, as she is about to give birth to their second child. The team made the announcement on Thursday.

The Belgian rider's absence is not likely to affect his teammate and current race leader Jonas Vingegaard, who remains on track for a second consecutive title. This comes after their main rival, Tadej Pogacar, lost time due to a crash during Wednesday's stage 17.

Wout van Aert stated, "After consulting with the team, we have decided that it's best for me to be at home now." He also mentioned that their family doctor informed him that his wife is expected to go into labor soon. "I always knew that I would go back home once my wife needed me. And that time has come."

Thursday's stage 18 covers a 185km route from Moutiers to Bourg-en-Bresse.