Matthias Skjelmors apologized for spreading rumors before stage 10 that Wout Van Aert would withdraw from the Tour de France immediately.

The Jumbo-Visma rider is expected to abstain from the Tour if and only if his partner gives birth to their second child.

The Belgian rider has already spent considerable time denying the news after stage 10.

Skelmose then admitted his responsibility before stage 11, telling Belgian agency Sporza, "I did something stupid.

"In the team meeting before stage 10, we discussed [Van Aert's exit] on the bus. Later, in an interview on Danish television, Jumbo Wisma said he was going to work hard during the stage for Van Aert.

Skjelmose said he could understand if Van Aert and Jumbo-Visma were irritated by the comment.

"He sent me a message and I replied to him. I wish I could apologize to him personally at some stage and then all the problems would be solved."

"I was a fool. I understand that Wout and his team are angry with me.

After stage 10, VanArt called home to confirm that there had been no change to his planned date after the Tour.

He told a journalist: "I will be at the Tour and I want to be there as long as possible."