On December 23, Lotto Soudal neo-pro Enzo Wouters underwent keyhole surgery on his knee in Herentals. Doctor Toon Claes removed an inflammation on the capsule of the left knee. Such an inflammation is an annoying injury for cyclists, because of the many pedal strokes.

Wouters said: “Of course it’s a setback when you have to undergo surgery after the first training camp. According to the doctor a lot of inflamed tissue was removed and the operation was definitely necessary. ‘Patience’ will be the key word during my rehabilitation. If I take the necessary rest, I will be back in a few months. Of course I was keen on having a good start of the season, but now that start has to be postponed.”

In about three weeks Wouters can carefully resume his trainings on the bike.