Laporte returns as Van Aert replaces Kooij for Hamburg
For Christophe Laporte, Sunday’s ADAC Cyclassics Hamburg will mark the end of a long and frustrating spell away from racing. The Frenchman has not pinned on a number since his win at Paris-Tours in October 2024. In January, tests revealed he had cytomegalovirus, a diagnosis that kept him off the bike for months. “It was the toughest period of my cycling career. I had never experienced anything like it before.”
Laporte spent much of the winter unable to train, gradually rebuilding his condition over the summer. Recent weeks included an altitude camp in Tignes with his teammates. “Building up my condition wasn’t easy after such a long break. In recent weeks, I have spent time with my teammates in Tignes. It felt fantastic to be part of the group again. I really missed that feeling.”
He has fond memories of Hamburg, having helped Olav Kooij to victory there last year. “Hopefully we can aim high again this year with Wout. I hope I’m strong enough to help him and the team. Without rhythm, it’s hard to predict of course. The most important thing for me is simply being back on the bike and no longer following the team only on television.”
Following the Tour de France from home, Laporte celebrated Wout van Aert’s solo ride onto the Champs-Élysées in the final stage, while feeling the sting of being a spectator. “Seeing Wout ride solo onto the Champs-Élysées was truly magnificent, great for him and the whole team. At the same time, it was frustrating at moments to watch races I would normally be competing in. When you keep thinking you’ll be better in a week and it doesn’t work out, it’s very hard. It’s taken a long time, but I’m ready now.”
Head of Racing Grischa Niermann is glad to see Laporte return but stresses that expectations should be realistic. “It’s a big boost for him personally, but also for the team. His current level is difficult to assess, because Christophe is missing rhythm. Of course, we can’t expect him to be battling with the very best straight away. It will take time, and we’ll build him up steadily without rushing.”
Laporte hopes to add several more races before the end of the season. “Right now, the priority is to gain race rhythm, also with an eye on next year. My big goal is to win races again. I want to experience that feeling again. First, I need to get back into top form. Once that happens, the good results will follow naturally.”
While Laporte focuses on regaining race rhythm, the team has also made a late change to its line-up. Defending champion Olav Kooij will not start due to illness, opening the door for Van Aert to lead in Hamburg. “After a strong Tour de Pologne, Olav began experiencing symptoms of illness this week. He turned out unfit to start. With Wout, we have a fantastic replacement ready. He is very motivated to make the most of the final part of his season,” said Niermann.
Van Aert’s racing schedule had him returning later in the month, but he was quick to accept the change. “I was immediately on board when the idea came up earlier this week,” the Belgian said. “Within my build-up and training plan, it only took a small adjustment to add this race. This is a WorldTour race that often turns into a battle between sprinters and strong classics riders. From my only participation in 2022, I know the course suits me well.”
With a proven winner and a returning champion in their ranks, Visma looks ready to make its mark in Hamburg.
