Wout van Aert Returns to Bike After Injury

Wout van Aert has finally got back on the bike, taking part in a charity group ride near his home in Herentals. The Belgian cyclist rode 67.6km at an average speed of 30.6kph on Sunday at the Olivia Classic.

What happened to Wout van Aert?

Wout van Aert was pulled out of the Tour de France and underwent surgery due to an elbow injury. He sustained the injury in a training crash prior to the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes on June 12. The wound got infected, and Van Aert was forced to have it surgically cleaned and spend a night in the hospital.

Why it matters for Wout van Aert

Van Aert's versatility makes him a vital cog in Visma's well-oiled machine, and his absence will be felt in the Tour de France. Jonas Vingegaard's support for the race will be impacted, as Van Aert was set to play a key role in the fight for the yellow jersey.

What comes next for Wout van Aert?

The Vuelta a España remains on Van Aert's schedule, which kicks off in Monaco on August 22. Visma will announce Van Aert's replacement for the Tour on Tuesday, with Ben Tulett and Wilco Kelderman among the frontrunners. Van Aert's recovery is on track, and he is now receiving intravenous antibiotics. Mathieu Heijboer, Visma's head of performance, said the situation was "particularly serious" and that the surgical intervention was "truly necessary". Van Aert's participation in the group ride is a positive sign, and he will look to build on this as he prepares for his next race. The Belgian star will be eager to get back to full fitness and compete at the highest level once again.