Cyclingflash
Visma | Lease a Bike sees Christophe Laporte withdraw from Ename Samyn Classic

Visma | Lease a Bike sees Christophe Laporte withdraw from Ename Samyn Classic

Visma | Lease a Bike can count on Wout van Aert again today in the Ename Samyn Classic, but the Dutch team sees another leader drop out of the cobblestone race. Christophe Laporte is not feeling quite fit and has to withdraw at the last moment.

Laporte’s absence is a major setback for Visma | Lease a Bike, as the Frenchman was one of the favorites to win the Walloon one-day race. The 33-year-old rider recently showcased his good form during the Opening Weekend. He finished fourth in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and rode very offensively in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne.

In the Alpecin Barbershop, Laporte recently told WielerFlits that he is ready for a new spring season. "It’s true that I missed many classics over the last two years, but it’s not like you immediately lose your feel for the races. I rode them for ten years before that. I’m really looking forward to it because I race because I love the classics."

"I just want to race and feel good throughout the year. Especially, of course, during the classics, which I don’t want to miss. I want to try to win a classic again and reach my best level, both for myself and for Visma | Lease a Bike."

With Laporte out, Wout van Aert now seems to be the sole leader of Visma | Lease a Bike for the Ename Samyn Classic. The question is whether the Belgian is already capable of competing for the sporting honors, as he had to delay his season start due to illness.