Michael Valgren has withdrawn from the Giro d’Italia and will miss the final three stages of the race, including the finish in Rome.
The Danish rider, who races for EF Education-EasyPost, will not take part in the last two mountain stages after his teammate James Shaw was also withdrawn from the race.
The American team said both riders had given everything in recent weeks and that the decision was taken to protect their fitness ahead of a busy summer schedule. With a number of riders already sidelined through injury this season, the team felt it was the right call to prioritise the health of both Valgren and Shaw.
The team also confirmed that both riders are expected to line up at the Tour de France.
Valgren’s withdrawal comes just days after he claimed what is arguably the finest victory of his career, winning Stage 17 of the Giro, a 202km route from Cassano d’Adda to Andalo, to record his first ever stage win at a Grand Tour.
Despite the withdrawals, EF Education-EasyPost said they would continue to fight for results through to the finish in Rome.
