Wout Van Aert will return from COVID-19 to compete in Paris-Roubaix on Sunday. Jumbo Bisma said that the medical staff allowed the Belgian rider to resume racing, but that his preparation was not ideal.

Van Aert last raced in Ghent-Wevelgem, but missed the Tour of Flanders due to a positive test for COVID-19. He also missed the Amstel Gold Race, but was seen training in Spain. Therefore, his chances of competing in Paris-Roubaix, where he finished 7th last year in rainy and muddy conditions, have increased.

Jumbo Visma said they are monitoring his situation closely and that a doctor has been accompanying Van Aert to his training sessions for four days to gauge his body's response.

"He is also undergoing very extensive tests before resuming training," sport director Merijn Zeeman said in a statement.

"Earlier this week, the medical staff determined that he is fully fit and able to continue his efforts at the top sporting level."

Before contracting COVID-19, Van Aert showed his team strength by finishing first and second in the E3 Saxo Bank Classic with Christophe Laporte. But Jumbo Visma warned that the Belgian champion cannot be expected to pick up where he left off. 'Especially with regard to his heart function. Wout's health is good. But after a week of isolation, top form is no longer possible,' Zeman said."

"His run to Roubaix was poor and he will also miss Thursday's reconnaissance. All in all, it is not an ideal preparation. But players like Wout can play a supporting role for Christophe Laporte, Mike Tunissen, and Nathan Van Hooydonk.

Tunissen welcomes the strengthening of the team's capabilities.

"We have shown all spring that it is good to run with a strong team," said Tunissen, who finished seventh in Paris-Roubaix in 2019.

"We can make each other really strong. It's a man-to-man battle, but it's still good to have good players around you. That's always a special advantage." Jumbo Visma's team for Paris-Roubaix also includes Edoardo Affini, Mick van Dijk, and Timo Roosen.