Major blow for Tiesj Benoot: Belgian to miss Spring Classics after surgery

Benoot had plenty of ambition for his first spring with the team. “I hope to peak from E3 to Liège. I’ve ridden Strade five times and always finished in the top eight. And I’ll definitely come back, because it’s the only race I really regret missing due to that altitude camp,” he said previously about skipping the Italian gravel classic.

The Belgian was due to make his debut for Decathlon CMA CGM next Saturday at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, with Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne also on the original schedule. From there, his spring was set to continue with E3 Saxo Classic, Dwars door Vlaanderen, Tour of Flanders, Amstel Gold Race, La Flèche Wallonne, and finally Liège–Bastogne–Liège.

That was the plan, but Decathlon CMA CGM issued a medical update on Thursday morning. “During his preparation, Benoot developed back pain during training. After consultation and diagnosis by the team’s medical department, a herniated disc was identified that required surgical intervention,” the team wrote on X.

Jacky Maillot, head of the medical department, added: “Tiesj Benoot underwent successful surgery this week for a herniated disc in his lower back and is now beginning his recovery. His return to competition will depend on how that recovery progresses.”

Benoot himself called it “a huge disappointment to miss the classics for the first time in my career,” meaning his spring campaign is now effectively over. “I’ll be cheering my teammates on from the sofa. I’m incredibly motivated to come back at a higher level than ever before. Many thanks to the team for the trust they have shown in me during these difficult times.”