Video: Lorena Wiebes back at the Giro, but only from the roadside
Lorena Wiebes made an unexpected return to the Giro d’Italia Women on Thursday, although not in the way she would have hoped.
The Dutch national champion, who was disqualified after winning the opening stage last Saturday, was spotted at the roadside during stage 6 of the race.
The decision brought an abrupt end to her race, with SD Worx-Protime expressing frustration over the ruling. The team has since indicated that it intends to challenge the decision, but Wiebes herself left Italy shortly after the incident and returned to the Netherlands.
Her time at home did not last long. After just a day back in the Netherlands, Wiebes travelled back to Italy to reset and prepare for her next race, the Copenhagen Sprint on June 13.
That trip led to a heartwarming scene on Thursday. As the Giro d’Italia Women passed Lake Garda during stage 6, Wiebes was there to watch the race from the roadside, alongside Movistar rider Floortje Mackaij.
It was a stage that, under normal circumstances, would have suited Wiebes. Instead of contesting the sprint, she found herself on the other side of the barriers, encouraging her former Giro rivals and teammates as they rode past.
Make us your preferred source on Google
Stay closer than ever to the latest cycling news, interviews and analysis. Simply selecting Domestique as a Preferred Source can really help us grow, while making sure you see more of our stories in your news overview.
