BMC Racing Team's Loïc Vliegen will undergo surgery Thursday to correct a congenital heart defect.

Dr. Michel Cerfontaine, Vliegen's longtime sports doctor, diagnosed the issue at the CHR de la Citadelle in Liége, Belgium. The procedure will take place at Université catholique de Louvain Woluwe in Brussels under the supervision of Dr. Etienne Hoffer and Dr. Thierry Sluysmans.

"The BMC Racing Team has been in continual communication with Loïc and his treating physicians," Dr. Testa said. "We are optimistic that we will have him back for next season."

Vliegen said, "I am in good hands and am very grateful to Dr. Cerfontaine and the staff of Liège Citadelle."