The expectation was that Wout van Aert was going to be one of the Giro d’Italia’s main protagonists during its three-day grande partenza in Albania, but a sickness picked up before the race got underway is continuing to hamper the Belgian.

Though the Visma-Lease a Bike rider recovered from being dropped on the finishing climb of stage 1 to finish second, he was way off the pace in the ensuing time trial and on stage 3.

It has led to fears that the 30-year-old will struggle to be in contention for stages once the race returns to Italy. He admitted after the third stage that he’s been riding conservatively due to his condition.

“I didn’t want to push my body too far,” Van Aert said Sunday. “Hopefully I’ll get better from now on.

“The first stage was better than expected, and afterward it was about being realistic. It was difficult to perform at my usual level.”

The day before he was asked if his viral infection was the reason that he was unable to contend for victory in the 13.7km time trial.

“I don’t know. I’m here doing my very best and I don’t want to point out any excuses,” he said then. “It’s just how it is.”

This article was published on Velo during the 2025 Giro d’Italia. You can read the full article here.