Last minute invitee and come to compensate for the injury of Wout van Aert who was withdrawn from the Giro, Christophe Laporte was not much luckier than his partner. Falling during the 5th stage won by his compatriot Benjamin Thomas, the European champion did not recover from his injuries and did not take part in the start of the 8th stage between Spoleto and Prati di Tivo.
“Unfortunately, Christophe Laporte will not start today. He never fully recovered from his fall during the fifth stage. With the team, he decided to take the necessary rest. Get well, champion,” the Dutch team said on its social media.
Unfortunately we have to report that Christophe Laporte will not start today. He never fully recovered after his crash in stage 5. Together with the team, it was decided to take the necessary rest. Get well soon, champ 🫶🏼 pic.twitter.com/GNLEPWcHfk
— Team Visma | Lease a Bike (@vismaleaseabike) May 11, 2024
Second retirement for Visma
His probable participation in the next Tour de France surely played a role in this decision, especially since the Italian race was not part of his program. This abandonment is the second for the formation formerly named Jumbo-Visma. Veteran Robert Gesink was the first rider to leave the Giro d’Italia after the opening stage. Despite everything, the team can still count on its leader Cian Uijtdebroeks. The young Belgian talent is seventh in the general classification before Saturday’s stage, 3 minutes 50 behind the pink jersey Tadej Pogacar (UAE-Team Emirates).
