Wout van Aert says his goal of winning the yellow jersey in the first week of the Tour de France this summer is “no longer realistic” after having his appendix removed three weeks ago.

The Belgian was aiming for the yellow jersey of the Grand Tour de France, the first week offering sprint stages offering extra seconds as well as a time trial which should suit the Jumbo-Visma rider, but who had to “start from zero” after the operation.

“This operation immobilized me for another week. Four weeks after the Amstel Gold Race, I had to start from scratch. You can compare it to a winter break,” Van Aert told the Belgian newspaper. Het Nieuwsblad.

Van Aert is now able to ride again without any issues, despite the surgery having to go through his navel as well as three spots in his abs, and even managed 40km on his time trial bike last week.

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Jumbo-Visma is currently participating in an altitude training camp in Sierra Nevada, Spain, where Van Aert is rebuilding himself after a demanding Spring Classics campaign.

“In principle I can achieve a good level of fitness through training and training at altitude, but I don’t know what level I will be able to reach,” said Van Aert. “Every day, I try to push my limits without forcing. The fact that the Dauphiné is scrapped [for him] gives me room to build quietly. “

Unfortunately, the reality of needing that extra time to reach his top level means that Van Aert doesn’t think he will live up to his powers for the first week of the Tour de France, but will likely turn out to be a key. Primož Roglič’s lieutenant later in the race, and believes he is on track for his other goals: the Tokyo Olympics, the World Road Championships and Paris-Roubaix.

“The initial plan was to grow up to my best form after the Dauphiné and be the best from the first week of the Tour,” said Van Aert. “This first week consists of tough sprint races and a time trial. It suits me very well. I had made a big goal for the yellow jersey in the first week, I’m afraid it is more realistic. I will have to have more patient until I am really top this summer.

“I always hope to be in top form during the Tour, but that’s anything but a certainty. If that doesn’t work, I’m sure I’ll be on top after the Tour. I’m not at all worried about Tokyo and the fall, with the World Cup and Paris-Roubaix. If everything is going as planned now and I can complete my training without delay, there are many steps I can take. Such a setback is never convenient, but thanks to what I have experienced in the past, I can handle this period better. “