Primož Roglič will not be able to count on Robert Gesink on Saturday in his quest for his first victory in Il Lombardia. The experienced Dutchman was unable to start the Giro dell’Emilia due to an “uncomfortable cough.” “It turned out to be bronchitis,” says Gesink via Instagram.
Gesink impressed earlier this month at the Vuelta a España, serving as a key helper for leaders Sepp Kuss, Jonas Vingegaard, and Primoz Roglic. However, the 37-year-old climber later had to abandon the Vuelta due to illness and also had to withdraw from the Giro dell’Emilia, a race he had won in 2009 and 2010.
The experienced cyclist had hoped to prepare for Il Lombardia on Saturday, October 7, but this race has also come too soon. “My offseason started a bit earlier than initially thought. An unpleasant cough turned out to be bronchitis. I missed a lot of training to be ready for Il Lombardia,” he wrote on his Instagram account.
Time for family
“Now it’s time to enjoy my family and casual bike rides. I am very proud of my last race in 2023,” Gesink said about the Vuelta a España, which was dominated by his team.