Giro 2026: Arnaud De Lie withdraws after struggling for days

Do not expect to see Arnaud De Lie anymore in the Giro d'Italia. The Belgian – who had already been struggling in the peloton over the past few days – abandoned during the fourth stage. With this, a second top sprinter has left the Giro, following the earlier withdrawal of Kaden Groves.

De Lie's withdrawal certainly did not come as a bolt from the blue. On Sunday, he was the only sprinter to be dropped when the pace picked up in the Giro. This reflects the difficult period the Lotto-Intermarché rider is currently going through after falling ill from a virus just after the Famenne Ardenne Classic.

De Lie and the team still hoped for improvement, so he did start today’s fourth stage, but the strong sprinter did ease off during the race. Thus, De Lie’s first Giro participation has ended in disappointment.

Heading to the Tour?
De Lie was planning to ride only half of the Giro anyway, as he will also make his appearance in the Tour de France this summer. Ahead of the Tour, he will also compete in the Tour of Switzerland (June 17-21), following a possible participation in the Tour of Wallonia (June 1-5).

It is now unclear whether De Lie can stick to his original plan or if he will have to change his schedule leading up to the Tour.