"A great disappointment" - Romain Bardet's 2024 season over as illness rules Frenchman out of Il Lombardia

The last full season of Romain Bardet's career has come to a premature end. Although the Frenchman had been expected to lead the Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL charge at Il Lombardia this Saturday afternoon, illness has ensured that is not the case.

"Unfortunately Romain Bardet didn't take to the start line at Il Lombardia due to sickness," revealed a post by Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL's official social media pages earlier this morning, updating fans on the disappointing news. "Speedy recovery, Romain!"

Once the racing had actually gotten underway in Lombardy, Bardet himself took to Instagram to reflect on his sadness at ending the year as such. "That's what sport is all about," the 33-year-old, who is set to retire in June 2025 following the Criterium du Dauphine, opens his post. "Being responsible for your condition, accepting your vulnerability."

"The 2024 season has been both beautiful and exhausting and, being ill since Thursday, I won't be able to defend our colours on the Tour de Lombardy. As in cycling, you're only as strong as your last result, it's always a great disappointment to end up like that. Time for a break, and I'll learn from it since next year I'll only do half a season (on the road)," the Frenchman concludes. "Thanks to all of you, and to my Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL for this season."