Ute Van Aert will miss Thursday's 18th stage of the Tour de France, returning to Belgium with his wife Sarah, who is due to give birth to their second child soon.

The news was confirmed by a tweet from Jumbo-Visma on Thursday morning ahead of the mostly flat stage from Moutier to Bourg-en-Bresse.

In a video released by the team on Twitter, Van Aert said: "As everyone knows, Sarah is pregnant. After consulting with the team, we decided that my place was at home. I went to see a doctor at home and was diagnosed as being in imminent labor."

VanArt said that his wife had agreed before the tour to return home if she felt it would be better.

"On the one hand it's a strange feeling, but not a dilemma. I always thought I would return home if my wife indicated she needed me. The time has come."

"I told my sons at dinner last night. I am happy that they all understand the decision and support me 100%. These seven will perform well for the rest of the Tour. Everything will be fine."

VanArt is now the first Jumbovis rider to leave the Tour.

Leader Jonas Vingegaard will leave the race at a point where he is in a very strong overall position, having dominated the race after the time trial stage and the queen stage over the Col de la Rose.

Van Aert, who has won at least one stage in the Tour every year since 2019 and three stages in 2021 and 2022, was looking for his 10th career stage win. This year, however, he missed out on his long-cherished stage win, finishing second twice and third twice.

"I often had the legs to try for a stage win, but it didn't happen," Van Aert said in the same video.

"I have mixed feelings. The result is one thing. How you feel on the bike is another."

"It was super good. The experience with the guys was great. It was also a morale booster to be able to fight for our own goals. I look back on this tool positively.

"But I will always remember this Tour as the place I called home every day and this is where I will leave the Tour.

Another tweet from Jumbo-Visma added:" Thanks again for another great tour." We wish you and Sarah the best.

VanArt's next event is now scheduled for the World Championships Elite Men's Road Race in Scotland on Sunday, August 6.