Belgian superstar Wout van Aert has left the Tour de France to be with his wife Sarah, who is set to give birth to their second child.
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Van Aert's absence is not expected to impact Jumbo-Visma teammate and race leader Jonas Vingegaard, who is on course for a second consecutive title after his rival Tadej Pogacar lost time following a crash in Wednesday's stage 17.
"In consultation with the team, we have decided that my place is now at home," van Aert said, adding that the family's doctor had informed him his wife was expected to go into labour soon.
"I always thought that I would go home when my wife indicated that she needed me. That time has come."
Thursday's stage 18 is a 185km ride from Moutiers to Bourg-en-Bresse.
Van Aert won three stages and the green jersey for the points winner at the 2022 Tour, with two podiums in second and third place his best results this time around.
Instead, he mainly worked for Vingegaard who with a big lead of seven minutes 35 seconds is set to retain his Tour title on Sunday.
Australian Associated Press
