The third week of the Tour de France 2026 is not starting in the best way for Lotto Soudal. Due to some flu-like symptoms contracted during the second rest day, Lars Craps will not take part in the time trial in Évian-les-Bains that opens the final third of the Grand Boucle, thus leaving his team with only five riders.

"Unfortunately, Lars Craps' first Tour de France comes to an end" his team announced through its social media channels.

"Lars fell ill during the rest day and developed a fever, which, in accordance with our team's medical protocol, prevented him from continuing the Grand Boucle. He will now take the necessary time to rest and recover, focusing on his next objectives. We will certainly miss him during the third week" said Lotto Soudal, which therefore, after the withdrawals of De Lie in the third stage and Berckmoes before the thirteenth, had to register the third retirement in the course of a Tour that so far, apart from the two top 5 finishes by Artz and the brave performances of Veistroffer, has not been particularly satisfactory.