Christophe Laporte starts 2025 this weekend - "It was frustrating at moments to watch races I would normally be competing in"

Christophe Laporte's start to the 2024 season was pretty difficult as a saddle sore took him out of the classics campaign and then he had to abandon the Giro d'Italia as well. The former European Champion bounced back to finish on the podium of the Olympic Games, win Paris-Tours and be a strong figure at the Tour de France, but in January everything changed as he was diagnosed with a cytomegalovirus. Now, only in mid-August, does he start his 2025 season.

“It’s a big boost for him personally, but also for the team. His current level is difficult to assess, because Christophe is missing rhythm," team DS Grischa Niermann said in a press release ahead of the ADAC Cyclassics Hamburg. "Of course, we can’t expect him to be battling with the very best straight away, as he has in the past. It will take time, and we’ll build him up steadily without rushing.”

The Frenchman has been without racing the entire year until this weekend, having had many predicted return dates but never managing to get up to form in the necessary way until now. He will immediately join Wout van Aert in the pursuit of a result at the ADAC Cyclassics Hamburg.

“Hopefully we can aim high again this year with Wout. I hope I’m strong enough to help him and the team. Without rhythm, it’s hard to predict of course. The most important thing for me is simply being back on the bike and no longer following the team only on television. It was the toughest period of my cycling career. I had never experienced anything like it before.”

He was happy for his teammate's success at the Tour de France, but does not forget that he was originally meant to be at the Tour as well. “I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Seeing Wout ride solo onto the Champs-Élysées was truly magnificent - great for him and the whole team. At the same time, it was frustrating at moments to watch races I would normally be competing in. When you keep thinking you’ll be better in a week and it doesn’t work out, it’s very hard. It’s taken a long time, but I’m ready now.”

“This summer I have been able to train well, and I can’t wait to pin on a race number again," he assures. "Building up my condition wasn’t easy after such a long break. In recent weeks, I have spent time with my teammates in Tignes. It felt fantastic to be part of the group again. I really missed that feeling”

With two months of season still left, it's not over for the 32-year old. “Right now, the priority is to gain race rhythm, also with an eye on next year. My big goal is to win races again. I want to experience that feeling again. First, I need to get back into top form. Once that happens, the good results will follow naturally”