Lyme disease (possible) cause of Arnaud De Lie’s poorer performance

Arnaud De Lie has struggled with his form in recent weeks. It was assumed that this was due to a crash in Le Samyn, but there appears to be something else at play. The Lotto Dstny rider is suffering from Lyme disease, according to blood tests.

Lyme disease is caused by a tick bite, from a tick that is infected with a bacterium. This infectious disease is controlled with antibiotic treatment for at least ten days.

“It may be the reason why Arnaud could not perform at a high level in recent matches,” his employer Lotto Dstny reports on social media. “He has now started treatment with antibiotics. We wish you a speedy recovery, Arnaud!”

It is currently unclear how long the ‘Bull of Lescheret’ will not compete in competitions. The 22-year-old power sprinter previously decided to end his spring, as he was unable to reach the same level after a crash in Le Samyn and a retirement in Paris-Nice.

New trainer
And that’s not all: De Lie no longer works with trainer Jeroen Dingemans. Ex-rider Gaëtan Bille – who competed for the Lotto team in the past – will take over this role, Het Nieuwsblad reports.