Wout van Aert withdrew from the Tour de France 2023 before stage number 18, the Belgian cyclist wanted to attend the birth of his daughter, reports EFE.

Wout van Aert withdrew from the Tour de France to attend the birth of his daughter

The Belgian from the Jumbo-Visma team made this decision after finishing third in the time trial on Tuesday.

“It’s a strange feeling, but it’s not a dilemma, the decision was easy to make. I always said I would come home when my wife said she needed me. This moment has arrived. My teammates understood this decision and support me 100%” – Wout van Aert.

Vought made the podium four times at this year’s Tour de France, but failed to win his tenth stage (finishing second twice and third twice).

Overall rating

1. Jonas Wingehor (Jambo-Visma) 67:57:51

2. Tadej Pohakar (UAE Team Emirates) +07:35

3. Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates) +10:45.

Rating of the green jersey (sprinters)

1. Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) 323

2. Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) 186 p

3. Brian Cockard (Kofidis) 178p.

White t-shirt with red polka dots Rating (climbers)

1. Giulio Ciccone (Lidl – Trek) 88p

2. Felix Gall (AG2R Citreon Team) 82p

3. Jonas Wingehor (Jambo-Wisma) 81p.

Team rating

1. Jumbo-Visma 204:45:10

2. UAE Emirates team +15:15

3. Ineos Grenaders +20:56.

The 18th stage will be held on Thursday at a distance of 185 kilometers between Moutiers and Bourg-en-Bresse. You can follow the competitions in Romania live on Eurosport.