In the Tour de France, riders are still dropping out due to the corona virus. Ben Hermans (36) knows better than anyone that the peloton should not underestimate such a contamination. The Belgian climber is gradually seeing light at the end of the tunnel after a months-long physical dip.
Ben Hermans has not raced since the end of March. Our unfortunate compatriot contracted a corona infection in the first months of the year.
“The contamination was not that bad, but my big mistake is that I raced without knowing I was positive,” he told Radio 1 in Sporza Tour.
“I only tested positive after stage races in Spain and Italy, so I suffered all the damage there.”
Lung covid, is the diagnosis: an infected person is then hindered for a long time by the aftermath of the infection.
Hermans patiently waited until last month to train again. “I still feel that I need more recuperation and that my body is not yet 100 percent. It is something of the long haul.”
“I think it will be okay”
Ben Hermans is training again, but is still experiencing a reaction. “After my training I often get palpitations and I don’t sleep well. I feel good on the bike, but during the race I would pay a price for that.”
Hermans receives a lot of support from his Israel-Premier Tech team. “I can indicate myself when I feel good again and next week I want to try it during some races in Spain.”
“One day will work, I have to wait and see if it can be done for several days. No doctor can tell me when it will be over and whether it will be resolved.”
“I have often taken a step backwards and that is frustrating, but I can handle it. I think it will be okay. I see it positively for next year.”
I can indicate myself when I feel good again and next week I want to try it during some races in Spain.
