Lotto-Belisol’s Jelle Vanendert has been a feature of the Tour de France in the last two years, winning a stage and competing for the mountain jersey in 2011 and riding in support of 4th-placed Jurgen van den Broeck in 2012. But he won’t be a part of this year’s edition when the start goes in Corsica.

Earlier this week Vanendert had to abandon the Critérium du Dauphiné on stage 2. He went back home to Belgium and underwent tests in order to determine the cause of his weak performances. These tests have now diagnosed Vanendert with a parasite in his intestines.

Team doctor Jan Mathieu expanded on the diagnosis: “The consequences of these parasites in Jelle’s body are tiredness and not being able to make full use of his capacities. After a period of rest the symptoms seem to be gone, but from the moment he has to exert himself, they return.”

“Many people who have a parasite in their body never notice it. For a sportsman that’s different, they have consequences much easier. Because they spend much time outside, they are more susceptible to this phenomenon as well. Such a parasite can be formed after contact with contaminated water from puddles during their training rides or in races. Now we know the cause of his problems, we started an adequate antibiotics cure.”

Vanendert has to rest for ten days; then he can slowly begin training again. However, that won’t be enough to be in reasonable form for the Tour de France starting on the 29th of June.

“Jelle, the sport and medical staff have decided not to participate in the Tour de France,” said team manager Marc Sergeant. “It’s most important now is that he gets healthy again by resting and getting the right medication. Then we can work towards competition level through a specific training. A new programme will be drawn up with the Vuelta, the world championship and Lombardia as main goals. We believe in Jelle’s capabilities and are convinced he‘ll serve the team in the final part of the season.”