Belgium star Wout van Aert will skip the 2026 Tour de France after an elbow injury that worsened during a training fall before the Tour Auvergne‑Rhone‑Alpes stage race. The 31‑year‑old, who claimed Paris‑Roubaix in April, was slated to partner four‑time Grand Tour champion Jonas Vingegaard for Visma in the team's quest to secure a podium finish in the prestigious race.

Van Aert’s injury surfaced after a fall that left an infection in his elbow. Hospital cleaning and a night of observation failed to bring healing, forcing the rider to miss the July opening in Barcelona. Visma will name a replacement on 23 June, leaving a gap in a squad already stacked with talent to defend their national championship title this.

The omission costs Visma a formidable all‑rounder who dominated Paris‑Roubaix by beating four‑time Tour champion Tadej Pogacar. Van Aert’s absence leaves the team with fewer options in the time‑trial and mountain stages where his explosive power is decisive. Fans expect the replacement to step up, but the loss still dents the squad’s chances for their bid to win the title.

Visma’s decision to announce a substitute on 23 June reflects the team's urgency to rebuild momentum before the race starts. With van Aert gone, the focus shifts to supporting Jonas Vingegaard’s pursuit of a third Tour victory. The team's strategy will hinge on how quickly the new rider adapts to the grueling French terrain and the unpredictable weather conditions ahead.