Belgian cyclist Wout van Aert will miss the 2026 Tour de France due to inflammation of an elbow injury. This comes after a successful season where he won Paris-Roubaix, notably defeating Tadej Pogačar. The injury prevents van Aert from participating in the prestigious race. Details regarding the severity and treatment of the elbow inflammation have not been fully disclosed, but it is deemed significant enough to rule him out of competition. The news is particularly disappointing for fans and impacts team dynamics. This absence alters the competitive landscape of the 2026 Tour, removing a key contender.