Stage Winner Valgren Rested, Withdraws From Giro

Danish cyclist Michael Valgren will not start Friday's 19th stage of the Giro d'Italia, his team EF Education-EasyPost announced on X.

The withdrawal is a strategic decision by the team to allow Valgren to rest and recover, rather than being prompted by any injury or illness. This comes after Valgren's impressive victory on the 17th stage earlier in the week, where he proved the strongest rider in a breakaway group.

Valgren's teammate James Shaw is also withdrawing from the race. The team expressed pride in their riders' efforts over the past weeks. "Both riders have given incredibly much to the team in recent weeks, and we are proud of the way they have ridden," EF stated.

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Both riders have given incredibly much to the team in recent weeks, and we are proud of the way they have ridden.

With several riders already sidelined by injuries this season, the team prioritized Valgren and Shaw's health and preparation for their upcoming important race schedule. "As we already have several riders out with injuries this season, and as both Michael and James are crucial for our goals this summer, we have made the decision to prioritize their health, recovery, and preparation for the important race program that awaits," the team added.

The decision means Valgren will miss the Giro's upcoming queen stage on Friday. Fellow Dane Jonas Vingegaard of Visma has won four stages and leads the Italian Grand Tour heading into the final three stages.

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As we already have several riders out with injuries this season, and as both Michael and James are crucial for our goals this summer, we have made the decision to prioritize their health, recovery, and preparation for the important race program that awaits.