Being the teammate of a favorite for the final victory in the Tour de France is never easy. Often, it is the team leader who is put forward, even if other riders are trying even harder than him. In addition, you have to abide by its rules and do everything to lead it to victory. And that, Wout van Aert certainly can’t deny it.
Indeed, the rider of the Jumbo-Visma team has been traveling the roads of France since Saturday July 1, the date on which the cyclists started the Tour de France, in which Laurent Luyat once again took part, to arrive on the Champs -Élysées on July 23rd. More than three weeks of effort, stress, unusual situations and life away from loved ones. And it’s out of the question to leave the Grande Boucle prematurely, even when you’re about to become a father, especially when you’re one of the teammates most likely to lead you to final victory. This is precisely the situation in which Wout van Aert.
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Jonas Vingegaard bans Wout van Aert from leaving the Tour de France
The athlete, in a relationship and married to Sarah de Bie, is about to become a father for the second time. The birth could occur any day and could push him to go to his partner. However, this hypothesis was quickly ruled out by Jonas Vingegaard, current holder of the Yellow Jersey and on track to win his second Tour de France against Tadej Pogacar. Indeed, the Danish cyclist assured that he was counting on the presence of Wout van Aert by his side until the end of the Tour.
“I can tell you he’s not going anywhere. He stays here with us”, said the overall leader. These comments were confirmed by the person himself on Tuesday, July 11: “No, I’m not going home yet”. Now, we will have to cross our fingers so that his companion holds out until the end of July and allows him to attend this happy event.
It should be remembered that, even before the start of the Tour de France, the riders are absent for several weeks in order to prepare as well as possible for the competition. Marion Rousse, former companion of runner Tony Gallopin, experienced this with her companion Julian Alaphilippe, who had to leave the family home to prepare as well as possible for the Grande Boucle.
RF