EF pull Michael Valgren and James Shaw out of Giro d'Italia
Cyclingnews • • sports
Key Points:
- EF Education-EasyPost withdrew Michael Valgren and James Shaw from the Giro d'Italia before stage 19 to rest them for upcoming races, sparing them two challenging mountain stages and the race finale in Rome.
- The team cited the riders' significant contributions and the need to prioritize their health and preparation for future goals, especially given other injuries within the squad this season.
- Stage 19 is the race's queen stage with 5,000 meters of elevation gain, followed by another mountainous stage 20, making the rest strategically important for the riders.
- While Valgren and Shaw's post-Giro plans are unconfirmed, the decision suggests they may target the Tour de France, starting in early July.
- EF Education-EasyPost emphasized their respect for the Giro and commitment to continue competing, despite the unusual mid-race withdrawals without injury or illness.