Netcompany INEOS suffer another setback before Tour de France: 'Difficult decision, but health comes first'
CyclingTuesday, 23 June 2026 at 15:09
Follow IDL Pro Cycling on Google
Stay up to date with the best cycling news by making us a preferred source on Google.
Follow us on GoogleThe virus that sidelined some riders during the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes last week has also claimed victims in the week following the stage race. Kévin Vauquelin, riding for Netcompany INEOS, is suffering from it so severely that he will have to sit out this coming Sunday’s French championship.
ADVERTISEMENT
Vauquelin finished an impressive seventh in last year’s Tour de France and made the switch this winter from the smaller Arkéa team to Netcompany INEOS. Riding for his new team, he finished fourth in Paris-Nice, fifth in the Tour of the Algarve, and tenth in the Tour of the Basque Country.
Read more below the photo.
Oscar Onley was forced to withdraw from the Tour Auvergne Rhône-Alpes after dislocating his shoulder.
Vauquelin Struck by a Virus and a Bacteria
Now Vauquelin himself has taken to social media to report that he, too, did not emerge from the race unscathed. “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to compete in the French championships. A virus and a bacterial infection, which I contracted during the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tour, are further weakening me.”
"The team and I have decided to skip the championships to prepare for the Tour de France," said the Frenchman. "It was a difficult decision, but health comes first." Defending champion Dorian Godon now has only Axel Laurance left as a support rider.
David Bavin-HobbsChief Editor
David has been working in the sports & cycling industry for 16 years. Covering racing, business and technology, he has worked in communications for cycling companies, teams, and as a journalist. His proudest achievement is winning the first bike race he ever entered. He hasn't won a race since.
IDL-productions
2026 Tour de Suisse – Men's Result | Pogačar head and shoulders above the competition
How to watch cycling on TV: Time trial day at the Tour de Suisse
Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes 2026 Standings | Final results in all categories
Copenhagen Sprint 2026 | Dylan Groenewegen faces a strong Belgian sprint contingent
Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes 2026 Stage 8 Preview | Poor Tuckwell faces fired-up Seixas and Del Toro
Latest Cycling News
Tour de France Route 2026 | Team announcements incoming, but here's what they will face
Home away from home: Sepp Kuss pleased with third in Andorra: 'That gave me extra motivation'
Analyst Knetemann slams UCI after Van der Poel's Tour de Suisse fine: 'Go do your job!'
Evenepoel records massive Alpine ride ahead of the 2026 Tour de France: 'TDF 2026 D-12'
Saïd Haddou, two-time winner of the Tro Bro Léon, has died at the age of 43
Popular Cycling News
2026 Tour de Suisse – Men's Result | Pogačar head and shoulders above the competition
Tour de France Route 2026 | Team announcements incoming, but here's what they will face
Chloé Dygert on RED-S diagnosis: 'I haven't had my period in 8 months, gained 9 kilos'
Insult to injury: Van der Poel fined by UCI after missing out on stage win
Tour de Suisse Women 2026 Result | Home hero Marlen Reusser makes it three
Latest Comments
- - Bonne décision. La santé d’abord avant le maillot bleu-blanc-rouge. Allez Kévin pour le Tour!michael5423-06-2026
- - Is the virus/bacterial thing common after a stage race like Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes? How long does recovery usually take before he can train hard again?andrewf23-06-2026
- - Tough break for Vauquelin. He’s been super consistent all spring with INEOS—4th at Paris–Nice and 10th in Itzulia weren’t flukes. Skipping nationals is the right call if the Tour is the big target. Health over a tricolore, every time.velodromevirtuoso123-06-2026
- - Bravo Sepp! Racing en casa with the family cheering—se nota la motivación. Podio bien merecido.sprocketspiny23-06-2026
- - Pidcock on Pinarello-Q.. is that actually a new team or a typo? Thought he was Ineos. Bit confusing tbh.raceready723-06-2026
- - Great to see Ben Tulett back mixing it on steep stuff. Visma played it pretty well but maybe committed a touch late when Harper was still fresh. Still, podium at home for Sepp is class.bikebuffj23-06-2026
- - So wait, if Kuss attacked first, how did Pidcock still win—does drafting matter that much on a climb? Also what does “1 race” mean in cycling?pedalpowe2923-06-2026
- - Proper mountain day out. Kuss did exactly what he does best—measured effort, late kick. Pidcock just had that extra punch. Harper’s pull was huge, textbook teammate work.cadencekingm23-06-2026
- - Kopecky in Switzerland for the Grand Départ is going to be box office. If there’s crosswinds or a lumpy finish, she’s the best finisher in the peloton, hands down.jeremya23-06-2026
- - Curious: what does “general classification core with climbers” mean? Does that mean Kopecky won’t get as much team support on mountain days?andrewf23-06-2026
Loading