"The team would prefer that I prepare for other important races" - Wout Poels denied chance to complete set of Grand Tour stage wins at Giro d'Italia 2024

Despite being outspoken in his desire to compete at the Giro d'Italia in 2024, with the ultimate aim of completing his set of Grand Tour stage wins, it seems Wout Poels will not be present in Italy for Bahrain - Victorious over the coming weeks.

"The team would prefer that I prepare for other important races later this year," laments the 36-year-old Dutchman who took stage wins at both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a Espana in 2023, leaving just one from the Giro missing off his palmares, in conversation with AD. "Unfortunately, but that is also part of professional sport."

Despite the fact that Poels will be turning 37 by the time the year is out, the vastly experienced climber doesn't completely rule out returning to the Giro d'Italia over the coming seasons, in order to check that elusive stage win off his cycling bucket list.

"Perhaps the Giro will fit better into my program in the coming years. I am still a reserve, so if something unexpected happens to the other riders, I am ready to step in," he concludes. "It is still a long season and hopefully I can go again for the Tour de France."