"Heartbroken" Charlotte Kool has to skip the UAE Tour Women due to illness

The Women's UAE Tour takes place from February 8 to 11. The eagerly awaited duel between top sprinters Charlotte Kool and Lorena Wiebes has attracted a lot of attention in recent days. However, it has now been announced that DSM-Firmenich Post NL rider Kool has fallen ill and will therefore not be able to take part in the race.

Due to the Dutchwoman's illness, DSM-Firmenich Post NL will now have to draw from a different barrel. "As Charlotte is unfortunately unable to race due to illness, we will take a more opportunistic approach to the three sprint opportunities available at the UAE Tour Women," said team manager Albert Timmer.

Nonetheless, Timmer still has other talented riders at her disposal and is particularly looking forward to the queen stage of the round. "There are a number of occasions where the wind can play a big part, so we want to be sharp all day and show good teamwork. Before the finish at the summit of Jebel Hafeet, we'll be looking to Pfeiffer, Becky and Elise as our playing cards for the final climb."

Kool herself is very disappointed that she will not be able to take part in the UAE Tour Women, as she announced on her X (Twitter) account. "Heartbroken. I have to announce that I won't start in UAE this year, because of illness. It's emotional a hard decision as I trained for months towards this first goal of the season."