From doubts to certainty. Unfortunately Wout Van Aert has made his absence official from the Giro d'Italia starting on May 4th from Venaria Reale.

The Belgian from Visma-Lease a Bike fell on March 27 at Dwars door Vlaanderen, suffering several fractures. His recovery is proceeding more slowly than expected and, therefore, it will not be possible to be at the start of the pink race which loses a great protagonist.

Van Aert's message published on the team's profile I can train at all. I'm trying to make my first pedal strokes on the bike. But it's not enough. That's why we made the decision not to start the Giro d'Italia. It's a real shame, I'm really disappointed for missing my second big goal of the season. But right now, I have to prioritize my health and I have to give my body time to recover ."

Wout van Aert will be replaced by the European champion   Christophe Laporte.

Sprint Cycling archive photo