After being runner-up on stage 1 and taking the victory on stage 3 of the 2023 Tour de France Femmes, Lorena Wiebes has sadly been forced to withdraw from the race prior to stage 5 after a bout of illness.
"Of course this is a sportive loss for Team SD Worx," Danny Stam, the sports director at Team SD Worx says on the official Twitter account of the team as news of Wiebes' withdrawal was announced. "There were still sprint opportunities. But health always prevails."
The departure of Wiebes is a blow for SD Worx, nevertheless, they are still in a positive position and have plenty to celebrate after the first four stages. Lotte Kopecky holds the Maillot Jaune as was a winner on stage 1 and Demi Vollering is second in the general classification, best placed of the riders expected to compete for the Maillot Jaune in Paris.
Lorena Wiebes is leaving @LeTourFemmes after illness. She’s suffering from stomach issues & consequently can’t start in Onet-Le-Château. "Of course this is a sportive loss for Team SD Worx, ‘cause there were still sprint opportunities. But health always prevails," says Danny Stam
