"It was a shock" - Michael Valgren admits surprise after demotion to EF Education-EasyPost's development team

It's only a few years ago that Michael Valgren was on top of the world having won both the Amstel Gold Race and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad in 2018. Following a horror injury last June however the Dane is being forced to start all over again.

“I am gradually back to 90 percent of the rider I used to be. The power in my legs is back," the 31-year-old tells Het Nieuwsblad. Although a return to racing is still not yet confirmed, Valgren has been informed by EF Education-EasyPost that when he does get back into the peloton it won't be at World Tour level, instead he will join up with the developmental team.

"It was a shock," he admits when asked for his initial reaction to the demotion. “I am a rider who wants to ride big races. Then you don't want to hear that you are no longer a World Tour rider. But eventually, I understand. It would take a while before I would be a rider who could help the team win again."

“Through the development team I can gradually return, in smaller competitions. Without forcing me. And if that works, is the deal, can I still go back to the World Tour team," he continues. "I am convinced that I will succeed. That thought keeps me going. I'm still in love with the race."