Giro d’Italia 2023: Primoz Roglic’s support team in tatters as Team Jumbo-Visma hit by Covid-19 outbreak

Team Jumbo-Visma’s preparations for the Giro d’Italia have taken a huge hit with Primoz Roglic’s support team affected by a Covid-19 outbreak.

Robert Gesink and Tobias Foss both contracted the virus at the Tour de Romandie last week and have now withdrawn from the team’s provisional eight-man line-up.

Jos van Emden and Rohan Dennis have been drafted in to replace the duo, with the latter playing a key role in Tao Geoghegan Hart’s surprise Giro victory for Ineos Grenadiers in 2020.

Speaking to Eurosport Norway, Foss said: “Missing the year’s big goal because of something you can’t control is incredibly annoying, but ultimately, something you can’t do anything about.

“It’s hard to miss the opportunity to be part of a team fighting for victory, but luckily there are new races and goals to stand out.”

Preparations for the Grand Tour have been far from ideal and follow on from the news of Wilco Kelderman’s withdrawal after crashing out of the Tirreno-Adriatico, with Sepp Kuss taking his place.

Jan Tratnik, Edoardo Affini, Koen Bouwman, and Michel Hessmann complete the Giro line-up, which begins on Saturday.

There is still plenty of strength within the team, with Van Emden and Dennis having 25 Grand Tour starts between them.

Van Emden has already raced at the Giro 11 times this month, while the vastly experienced Dennis is set to retire in the winter.

“Geraint Thomas is a rider of tremendous quality,” Contador told Eurosport.

“We all know this, having seen the great results he has obtained, especially that victory at the Tour de France.

“But going by today, especially as we see his recent results for example at the Tour of the Alps, I think it is complicated that Thomas will be battling for the Giro d’Italia with Primoz Roglic and Remco Evenepoel.

“Two riders that are peaking right now, that seem to be flying and winning in most races they take part in. It’s tough for me to see Thomas at that same level.

“I think a good Giro for Thomas would be to be close to Remco and Roglic, competing with them.”

The Giro begins in Fossacessia on May 6 with an individual time trial, and will conclude in Rome on May 28.

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