Ronde van Vlaanderen 2022: 'There is no chance' - Wout van Aert confirms Tour of Flanders absence due to Covid-19

Wout van Aert confirmed he would miss the Tour of Flanders on Sunday due to a recent positive test for Covid-19. On Thursday the Belgian’s involvement was subject to speculation as he missed Jumbo Visma’s examination of the course due to illness, and his participation was described as ‘unlikely’. Ad/> The 27-year-old rider posted a video message through his team’s Twitter account announcing the reason that he would miss the Ronde.

Ronde van VlaanderenVan Aert 'not feeling fit', big doubt for Tour of FlandersYESTERDAY AT 12:01 Van Aert said: “Hello everyone, a short message from me to everyone. “It was two hectic days. I can announce I won’t be at the start of the Tour of Flanders this Sunday.

“Yesterday morning, I woke up with a sore throat. Two quick tests proved I tested positive for Covid-19. Two PCR tests confirmed it.

There is no chance for me to be at the start. Pidcock pens new five-year deal at Ineos, targets monuments and Grand Tour wins 'Is cycling a racist sport? I would say it is, yes' Van Aert 'not feeling fit', big doubt for Tour of Flanders “The good news is that I only have mild symptoms, a mild sore throat and a mild cold. It strengthens my hopes that I will recover and get back into action soon.” Van Aert rued the timing of the infection, particularly as he said he had made a particular effort to avoid risk during the cycling season.

“It’s a mystery where I’ve picked up this infection,” he stated. “I’ve put in a lot of effort to avoid it over the past two years, particularly in the last weeks and months. “Of course we were exposed before, during and after races, like last weekend.

“Evidently, I can’t control it. It catches me at the worst possible moment. “I will focus on my further recovery in the