"Many people say that after the Tour the season is over, but that's not true": Lorenzo Fortunato turns focus to Vuelta after illness ended Tour de France dream

Lorenzo Fortunato said he has put behind the disappointment of missing his Tour de France debut after illness forced him to abandon his preparations, with the Italian climber now targeting the Vuelta a España and the remainder of the season. The Italian rider had planned his entire 2026 campaign around making his first appearance at the Tour, but his ambitions were derailed after falling ill during the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. He withdrew before the final stage of the race and was subsequently ruled out of the Tour de France.

The XDS Astana Team rider explained that it took time both physically and mentally to recover from the setback. "I returned to training about ten days after withdrawing from the Tour Auvergne Rhone Alpes," Fortunato said in an interview to bici.pro.

"The first five were needed to recover from the flu, then once I understood that I wouldn't race the Tour de France, I gave myself another five days off. It was like going back to winter."

He is now preparing for another altitude training camp before beginning his build-up toward the Vuelta, although he has yet to decide whether to train in Livigno or St. Moritz.

Fortunato revealed that the warning signs had already appeared during the French stage race. "From the middle of the Tour Auvergne I had negative sensations. I thought they were related to the altitude camp, but then I developed a fever, cough and had to take antibiotics. Little by little I started riding again, but the sensations were not good, so I had to withdraw."

Although missing the Tour represented a major blow after building his season around the race, Fortunato said he preferred to focus on the opportunities that remain. "When you have health problems, there isn't much you can do. I tried to recover as best I could, but racing the Tour would have been impossible."

"It's better to restart calmly towards the Vuelta and the end of the season. I certainly didn't feel sorry for myself because there will be other opportunities."

The Italian dismissed suggestions that the season effectively ends after the Tour de France. "Many people say that after the Tour the season is over, but that's not true. There are still many races and opportunities."

While he admitted the campaign has unfolded differently than expected, he believes there could be an upside. "In a way, it's been a season divided in two because I raced at the beginning of the year with the Tour de France always in mind. I was never at 100 percent."

"From mid-June to the end of July was supposed to be my peak. It means I'll arrive fresher for the final part of the season."

Fortunato confirmed that his ambitions for the Vuelta will mirror those he had originally set for the Tour. "At the Tour de France I would have fought to win a stage and for the mountains jersey."

He now hopes that arriving fresher than in previous years will allow him to perform better during the closing months of the campaign. "If I look at the positive side, I can say that for once I'll arrive at the Vuelta in top form."

Unlike previous seasons, when riding two Grand Tours left him fatigued later in the year, he expects to have more energy for the Vuelta as well as the Giro dell'Emilia and Il Lombardia.

Fortunato also said he plans to change his training location. "I prefer to train on the Italian climbs that I know well, but changing my training location allows me to start with a new mindset. I'll be with my masseur and train with Bettiol."

Asked what would make his season a success despite missing the Tour, his answer was straightforward. "To win a stage at the Vuelta."