Cycling-Van Aert leaves Tour to be with wife for birth of second child

FILE PHOTO: Cycling - Tour de France - Stage 10 - Vulcania to Issoire - France - July 11, 2023 Team Jumbo–Visma's Wout van Aert in action during stage 10 REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo

(Reuters) - Jumbo-Visma rider Wout van Aert has left the Tour de France to be with his wife Sarah, who is set to give birth to their second child, the team said on Thursday.

The Belgian's absence is not expected to impact team mate and race leader Jonas Vingegaard, who is on course for a second consecutive title after his rival Tadej Pogacar lost time following a crash in Wednesday's stage 17.