Should Tiesj Benoot even fear the Tour? "Too early to make him a target"

While most classics riders are putting the finishing touches on their preparation for Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, Tiesj Benoot will have to watch the Flemish classics from the sidelines this year. Due to a back injury and surgery, he will be out of action for the coming months, and there is no clear timeline for his return.

Tiesj Benoot is facing a more than false start with his new team Decathlon CMA CGM. The Belgian recruit has to write off his spring season and his beloved classics. Benoot is struggling with a herniated disc and has already undergone surgery. It is a tough blow for Benoot and his new employer, but the 31-year-old rider is now looking ahead—albeit with very small steps for the time being.

"I am facing the longest period without a bike"
"I’ve had quite a lot of pain, so I’m glad that’s gone," Benoot said in an interview with Sporza. "It’s good that a cause has been found for my trouble. Now a long rehabilitation awaits me. If I get the green light on Tuesday, I can start rehab with the physiotherapist. Normally, I should be able to train well again within a few weeks."

However, a long recovery process lies ahead for Benoot. "I am facing the longest period in my career without a bike, so it’s hard to estimate how it will go. Once I can train without restrictions, I will still need about four months to get back into good racing shape. But it’s very difficult to put a race or a date on it."

Tour de France: yes or no?
Benoot has to write off his spring campaign, but is the Tour de France also at risk? Much will depend on next week’s first check-up. "I hope to get positive news and be able to start my rehab then. I hope to be in form by summer. The Tour was on my schedule, and I would very much like to be there. But it’s still too early to say if it will be a target."

"If I can ride for two to three weeks without pain, we will be better able to estimate what I can achieve. I’ve ridden the Tour nine times, so I know it’s no gift if you are only at 80 percent."