Another setback for Christophe Laporte and Visma-Lease a Bike as the Frenchman withdraws from the Samyn Classic following a strong start to the season.
The Dutch team may have welcomed Wout van Aert's recovery from illness, but another key member, Christophe Laporte, has been forced to withdraw from the Ename Samyn Classic. His team reported that he's not feeling 100% fit after the Opening Weekend.
Despite winning a stage at the Vuelta a Andalucía, Laporte's recent form has been impressive, making his absence a significant loss for Visma-Lease a Bike in the 203.8km Ename Samyn Classic.
A setback for Laporte's comeback from 2025 woes
Laporte's 2025 season was plagued by a long-running bout of cytomegalovirus, which caused fatigue and forced him to miss the Classics and the Tour de France. Since joining Visma-Lease a Bike in 2022, he has become one of the world's top Classics riders.
His return to racing towards the end of the season was promising, with a victory in Andalucía. However, he crashed out of the race and later recovered to perform strongly over the Opening Weekend, boosting Visma's morale ahead of the Spring period.
"I’m pleased that I was still able to deliver a strong result for the team today," Laporte said after Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. "After an unlucky season last year, it’s nice to show myself again in races like this."
The latest illness is a setback for Laporte and his team, who have been on a run of bad luck. It remains to be seen if this is just a temporary blip or if his fitness and form will become a concern for the main Spring period.
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