Belgian cyclist Wout Van Aert of Team Jumbo–Visma, who had a triumphant Tour de France in 2022, had to make an abrupt exit from the race in its final week in 2023. His departure came as a response to his wife Sarah’s impending labor, prioritizing family over competition.
Wout Van Aert’s Tour de France 2023 Performance
Van Aert had an outstanding performance during the 2023 Tour de France up until his departure, notching two second-place finishes (Stage 2 and Stage 15) while reaching three more podium finishes – third on Stages 8 and 16. While not securing stage victories himself, his experience was positive with team mates; at his departure date he held fourth in green jersey standings.
Decision to Leave the Tour
In the midst of the race, Van Aert received news that his wife’s pregnancy had reached a critical stage and labor was imminent. In a video message posted by Team Jumbo–Visma, he conveyed his decision to leave the race, emphasizing that being with his wife at this significant time was not a dilemma but an easy decision. This possibility had been anticipated and planned for, thus his departure did not come as a surprise.
Impact on Team Jumbo–Visma
Despite Van Aert’s departure, his team continued to perform well, leading the team rankings at the time of his departure. The overall morale and camaraderie of the team remained positive, acknowledging the significance of Van Aert’s decision to prioritize his family.
Wout van Aert’s Multilingual Abilities
Van Aert, being a Belgian cyclist, is fluent in Dutch, one of Belgium’s official languages. This skill comes in handy during international cycling events and communication with his team and competitors from different countries.
Stage 18 Highlights: Tour de France 2023
Kasper Asgreen of the Soudal Quick-Step team triumphed in Stage 18 of the 2023 Tour de France, winning his first-ever stage in the race. The stage started in Moûtiers and ended in Bourge-en-Bresse, covering a distance of 184.9 kilometers.
Asgreen’s Breakaway Victory
Asgreen, along with Pascal Eenkhorn and Jonas Abrahamsen, managed to hold off the peloton during the final stages, with Asgreen taking the win with a superior sprint finish. This marked a significant milestone in the Danish cyclist’s career.
The Race Continues: Looking Ahead to Stage 19
Stage 19 is set to challenge the cyclists with a 172.8-kilometer route across the Jura Mountains, from Moirans-en-Montagne to Poligny. This stage presents an opportunity for the sprint teams to compete and potentially redeem themselves after the exciting breakaway victory in Stage 18.
