Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico See a wave of Withdrawals
The peloton has been thinned considerably in both Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico, with numerous riders abandoning the races due to a variety of reasons.
Paris-Nice Hit by Illness and Misfortune
Stage seven of Paris-Nice saw a significant number of withdrawals, adding to the already substantial list from previous stages. Michael Storer (Groupama-FDJ) was forced to withdraw due to bronchitis, while Yevgeniy Fedorov (Astana Qazaqstan) fell ill. The reasons behind the withdrawals of Max Walscheid (Cofidis), Dimitri Claeys (Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert), Anthony Turgis, and Geoffrey Soupe (both TotalEnergies) were not disclosed by their respective teams.
Adding to the drama, Groupama-FDJ’s Kevin Enjoys suffered a bizarre incident at the start. A boarding, dislodged by strong winds, struck him, requiring ten minutes of medical attention on his ankle. Despite this setback, Enjoys initially attempted to start the queen stage but ultimately abandoned before the official start.
Tirreno-Adriatico Loses Riders to Illness
The challenging queen stage of Tirreno-Adriatico also saw its share of withdrawals. Two riders from Arkéa Samsic, Thibault Guernalec and Dan McLay, were unable to start due to illness.Further Departures Shake Up the Races
later in the day, Jumbo-Visma announced via Twitter that Mike Teunissen had abandoned Paris-Nice. The Dutch rider, who had been supporting teammates Wout van Aert and Primož Roglič, opted to withdraw to prioritize his planning for the upcoming classics season.
Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert), Florian Sénéchal (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl), and Alexis Vuillermoz (TotalEnergies) also abandoned Paris-Nice during stage seven. Girmay, who had previously worn the white jersey and achieved three top-ten finishes, was a notable loss.In Tirreno-Adriatico, Jhonatan Narváez (INEOS Grenadiers) crashed during stage six and was forced to abandon. The 25-year-old Ecuadorian, who had enjoyed a strong spring campaign with remarkable performances in the belgian opening weekend and Strade Bianche, suffered a setback to his promising season.
These withdrawals highlight the demanding nature of these prestigious races and the physical toll thay take on the riders. As the races progress, it remains to be seen how these absences will impact the overall standings and the battle for victory.
Battling the Elements adn Illness: A Conversation with Former Pro Cyclist,Sean Kelly
The cycling world has been abuzz this week with news of numerous withdrawals from both Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico. Illness, crashes, and even a rogue boarding seem to be conspiring to thin the peloton. To shed some light on this tumultuous period, we sat down with former pro cyclist and Tour de France Green Jersey winner, sean Kelly.
Moderator: Sean, thank you for joining us.This rash of withdrawals is certainly concerning. What are your thoughts on the number of riders abandoning these races, particularly in Paris-Nice?
Sean Kelly: It’s definately a shame to see so many riders pulling out, especially at this crucial stage of the season. Paris-Nice is always a demanding race, known for its challenging climbs and changeable weather conditions. This year seems to have been particularly harsh, with bronchitis and other illnesses taking a toll on several riders.
Moderator: We saw Groupama-FDJ’s Kevin Enjoys suffer a freak accident at the start of stage seven. Do you think incidents like this highlight the inherent dangers faced by cyclists, even before the race officially begins?
sean Kelly: Absolutely. Cycling is a sport of inherent risks, whether it’s from crashes, adverse weather, or even unexpected events like what happened to Enjoys. It’s a constant reminder that these athletes are pushing themselves to the limit, both physically and mentally.
Moderator: We’ve seen some big names forced to abandon, including Biniam Girmay, who was riding incredibly well. How much of an impact do you think these withdrawals will have on the overall race dynamics and the battle for the final victory?
Sean Kelly: Girmay’s withdrawal is a real blow. He was a strong contender for a top finish. His absence, along with others, certainly opens the door for riders who might not have been considered podium favorites before.
Moderator: Tirrenco-Adriatico also saw its share of withdrawals due to illness. What do you think is the biggest challenge for riders facing these tough spring races back-to-back?
Sean Kelly: The spring classics are a brutal period for cyclists. The races are frequently enough intense, sometimes in tough weather conditions, and there’s constant pressure to perform.It takes unbelievable physical and mental resilience to compete at the highest level week after week. Illness can spread quickly in these conditions, and sometimes a rider has to prioritize recovery to avoid a prolonged setback.
Moderator: Jumbo-Visma wisely pulled Mike Teunissen out of Paris-Nice to prepare for the upcoming classics season. Do you think teams are becoming more proactive in managing rider fatigue and prioritizing long-term goals?
Sean Kelly: I think we are seeing a shift in that direction. Teams are becoming more aware of the importance of pacing riders throughout the season and prioritizing key targets.The pressure to perform all year round is immense, so strategic planning and rider management are crucial.
Moderator: What advice would you give to young riders coming up through the ranks who are hoping to conquer these demanding races?
Sean Kelly: Learning to listen to your body is essential. don’t be afraid to pull out if you’re feeling unwell. Pushing through can lead to bigger problems later on. Patience and persistence are key. These races are tough,but with hard work and dedication,anything is absolutely possible.
Moderator: Thank you for your insights, Sean. This has been a captivating discussion. We’d love to hear from our readers. Do you think the number of withdrawals at these races highlights a need for stricter protocols regarding illness and rider management? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
