Wout van Aert was already confirmed to miss the season-opening Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, but there’s now positive news regarding a potential return for the Belgian star. He is currently slated to compete in Le Samyn on Tuesday.
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A poorly timed bout of the flu sidelined Van Aert from his planned start at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, but hopes are rising for his participation in Le Samyn.
“He’s not seriously ill, just sick like many of us gain,” team leader Grischa Niermann stated this week, confirming Van Aert is battling the flu.
“Everyone here knows someone in their circle who currently has the flu or recently had it. It’s spreading quickly, and it’s unfortunate for Wout that he’s been affected,” added CEO Richard Plugge.
Positive Trend
The question now is whether Van Aert will be fit enough to compete in Le Samyn on Tuesday. “We hope he can start in Le Samyn, but an update will follow,” team leader Maarten Wynants told HLN at the start of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.
Reports indicate Van Aert is showing improvement, reportedly eating and drinking again after his illness. “That’s the first step, of course, and I can confirm that,” Wynants said.
Despite Van Aert’s absence, Visma-Lease a Bike remains confident heading into Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. “It will be different, of course, as Wout is a key factor in our team. But we still have strong riders in Brennan and Laporte, so we remain optimistic.”
