DPA
· 20.07.2023
Belgian rider Wout van Aert left the stage race on Thursday before the 18th stage. His wife Sarah is expecting their second child. "The doctor says that the birth is imminent. That's why I made this decision," said the 28-year-old. It was an easy decision.
Van Aert won the green jersey and three stages at the 2021 Tour. This year, he put himself fully at the service of Vingegaard. Despite his best efforts, the multiple cyclo-cross world champion did not manage a stage win of his own. Van Aert's statistics include two second and two third places. The Jumbo-Visma team should be able to manage the final four stages without the powerful Belgian. Vingegaard's lead in the overall standings is 7:35 minutes ahead of the Slovenian Tadej Pogacar.
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