Wout Van Aert Withdraws From Paris-Roubaix Due To Injury

Wout Van Aert Withdraws From Paris-Roubaix Due To Injury...

Belgian cycling star Wout van Aert has withdrawn from Sunday's Paris-Roubaix, one of cycling's most prestigious one-day races, after suffering a leg injury in training. The Visma-Lease a Bike team confirmed the news Friday, dealing a major blow to the highly anticipated "Hell of the North" classic.

Van Aert, 31, crashed during a reconnaissance ride on the cobbled sectors of the race route in northern France. Scans revealed muscle damage in his right thigh, forcing him out of competition. The three-time cyclocross world champion was among the top favorites for victory.

American cycling fans have been closely following van Aert's season after his strong performances in early spring classics. His absence reshapes the dynamics of Sunday's race, where he was expected to challenge defending champion Mathieu van der Poel.

The Belgian rider's withdrawal trended on Google in the U.S. as American sports networks highlighted the impact on the race's competitive balance. NBC Sports cycling analyst Chris Horner called it "a huge loss for the spectacle" during Friday's pre-race coverage.

Van Aert's team said he will return to Belgium for recovery and evaluation. No timetable has been set for his return, though the Tour of Flanders in two weeks remains a possibility if he heals quickly. The injury comes after van Aert missed much of the 2025 season with a collarbone fracture.

Paris-Roubaix begins Sunday morning local time (early morning ET) with live coverage on NBC Sports and Peacock in the U.S. Organizers expect record crowds along the 160-mile route featuring 29 cobbled sectors.

This marks van Aert's third consecutive Paris-Roubaix absence due to health issues. He finished second in 2022, his best result in the race known for its brutal cobblestones and unpredictable conditions.