Mikel Landa could lose a key domestique for his Giro d'Italia podium bid

Young climber Valentin Paret-Peintre was Soudal - Quick-Step's most exciting signing heading into the new season, but the ultra-light climber's first big goal of 2025 is now endangered. 

Paret-Peintre was initially scheduled to return to Giro d'Italia, where he impressively won a mountain stage with finish in Bocca della Selva, as a key domestique for podium contender Mikel Landa. However his run-up to the Corsa Rosa was abrupted by a crash at Vuelta a Catalunya.

Following his withdrawal from the Spanish stage race last week, Valentin Paret-Peintre underwent a medical examination where it was revealed that he has a fracture of the coccyx. He has to remain off the bike for at least two weeks, Soudal - Quick-Step informs in a press communication.

Dries Van Gestel was involved a crash at E3 Saxo Classic that also required him to drop by in a hospital. The 30-year-old Belgian had an operation on the broken scaphoid this Monday at the hospital in Herentals. This will see Dries in a cast for three weeks after which his progress will be reevaluated.

Martin Svrcek has been able to travel from the hospital in Italy where he has stayed since his accident at Milano-Sanremo and will continue his recuperation at the hospital in Herentals.