Dylan Tuns, the 2022 Flèche Wallonne winner, has decided not to defend his title in this year's race due to poor health. The Belgian native has already been forced to miss the Amstel Gold Race and it is unclear if he will be able to compete in the Liège-Bastogne-Liège on Sunday.

"Unfortunately, defending champion Dylan Theuns has not recovered from his illness. A decision on his participation in Liège-Bastogne-Liège will be made shortly."

According to Israel Premier Tech, Theuns developed a sore throat and fever last week, and was held out of the Amstel Gold Race in hopes of recovering in time to run in Flèche.

In Tüns' absence Wednesday, Michael Woods will lead the Israeli Premier Tech challenge, joined by Simon Clark, Hugo Uhl, Guillaume Bovin, Kriszt Neylans, Nick Schultz, and Daryl Impey.

Theuns joined Israel Premier Tech last August in a mid-season transfer from Berlaine Victorious. Earlier that year, he enjoyed the best classic campaign of his career, finishing sixth in both the Tour of Flanders and Liège-Bastogne-Liège and winning the Mule de Huy ahead of Alejandro Valverde.

"I have to miss my favorite race because of a health problem. Hopefully I will be fully recovered soon."