Sanremo, Italy – In a heartbreaking turn of events, Marianne Vos, a leading contender for this weekend’s Milan-Sanremo Donne, has withdrawn from the race due to a family emergency. The Dutch star, riding for Team Visma | Lease a Bike, has returned to the Netherlands following news that her father’s health has become critically ill.
The decision, announced on Wednesday, March 20, 2026, comes as a significant blow both personally and professionally. Vos, a veteran of the peloton, was expected to play a key role in the Italian classic, known for its challenging course and unpredictable finish. However, she has prioritized her family during this difficult time.
“Our thoughts are with Marianne and her loved ones,” Team Visma | Lease a Bike stated in a social media post. The team confirmed that Rosita Reijnhout will capture Vos’s place in the race, giving the 21-year-old rider a valuable opportunity to compete at the highest level.
This isn’t the first time Vos has stepped away from competition to support her family. Earlier this year, she chose to forgo the cyclocross season to spend more time with her father, and she likewise missed the World Championships in Rwanda for the same reason. These repeated decisions underscore the depth of her commitment to her family and the seriousness of the situation.
A Significant Loss for Team Visma | Lease a Bike and the Race
Vos’s absence represents a considerable setback for Team Visma | Lease a Bike. She brings not only exceptional riding ability but also invaluable experience and tactical acumen to the team. In a race where positioning and timing are paramount, her expertise will be sorely missed. Milan-Sanremo is a notoriously difficult race to predict, and Vos’s ability to read the course and anticipate moves would have been a major asset.
The withdrawal also impacts the overall dynamics of the race. Vos finished second in the 2025 edition of Milan-Sanremo Donne, narrowly losing out to Lorena Wiebes. Her presence this year would have undoubtedly added another layer of competition to an already stacked field. The race, known for its grueling climbs and fast descent into Sanremo, demands both physical strength and tactical intelligence.
Reijnhout’s inclusion provides an opportunity for a young rider to gain valuable experience, but it also disrupts the team’s established strategy. The team will need to adjust its plans and rely on other riders to fill the void left by Vos’s absence.
A Pattern of Prioritizing Family
Vos’s decision to prioritize her family is a testament to her character and values. She has consistently demonstrated a willingness to put personal matters ahead of professional ambitions, even when it means sacrificing opportunities to compete at the highest level. This latest instance reinforces that commitment.
The cycling world has responded with an outpouring of support for Vos and her family. Many riders and teams have expressed their sympathy and offered their best wishes during this challenging time. The incident serves as a reminder that even in the highly competitive world of professional sports, personal lives and family obligations often take precedence.
This situation also highlights the emotional toll that professional cycling can take on athletes and their families. The demanding travel schedule and intense competition can create significant strain, and it’s important to recognize the sacrifices that athletes make to pursue their careers.
What’s Next for Milan-Sanremo Donne?
With Vos’s withdrawal, the field for Milan-Sanremo Donne has become even more unpredictable. Several other strong contenders remain, including Lorena Wiebes, the defending champion, and other top sprinters and climbers. The race is expected to be fiercely contested, with a number of teams vying for victory.
The Milan-Sanremo Donne will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, starting in Pavia and finishing in Sanremo. The race covers a distance of approximately 159 kilometers (99 miles) and features several challenging climbs, including the Cipressa and the Poggio. The final kilometers are particularly demanding, with a steep climb followed by a fast descent into the finish line.
Rosita Reijnhout will be making her debut in the Italian Classic, and it remains to be seen how she will perform. However, she is a talented young rider with a bright future, and she will undoubtedly be eager to make a positive impression. The team will be looking to her to contribute to their overall strategy and help them achieve a strong result.
Beyond the race itself, the focus remains on supporting Marianne Vos and her family during this difficult time. The cycling community has rallied around her, and many are sending their thoughts and prayers.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Team Visma | Lease a Bike is the upcoming stage races in April, where they will look to rebuild momentum and continue their season. The team will undoubtedly be hoping for positive news regarding Vos’s father and a swift return to health for their star rider.
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