Major setback for Tiesj Benoot: misses spring classics due to hernia

Tiesj Benoot faces a more than unfortunate start with his new team Decathlon CMA CGM. The Belgian signing will have to write off his spring and his beloved classics. Benoot is dealing with a herniated disc and has already undergone surgery.

"During his winter training, Tiesj Benoot experienced back pain, which disrupted his training schedule," Decathlon CMA CGM stated in a press release. "After consultation and diagnosis by the team's medical staff, a hernia was detected that required surgery."

"Tiesj Benoot successfully underwent surgery this week for a hernia in his lower back," explained Jacky Maillot, who heads the team's medical staff. "He is now starting his recovery period. His return to the peloton depends on his recuperation."

Huge disappointment
For the 31-year-old Benoot, this is obviously a major setback. "It is a huge disappointment for me to miss the classics for the first time in my career. I will be cheering on my teammates from the TV. I am highly motivated to come back stronger than ever. Great thanks to the team for their trust in this difficult time."

For the French squad, Benoot's absence is a significant blow, as the Belgian was expected to be one of the leading riders in the spring classics. "I think I would have been ranked slightly higher on paper, but we have a strong team across the board. We don’t need to control the race, so many guys will get their chance," the Ghent native said during the team presentation looking ahead to the spring.