Two-time winner Robert Gesink will be absent at Giro dell'Emilia: "I miss out on one of the most beautiful races of the season"

Don't look for Robert Gesink during the Giro dell'Emilia next Saturday. The Dutchman, who was the best in the Italian semi-classic in 2009 and 2010, is not completely fit and must therefore pass on his favorite race.

Gesink made an impression earlier this month as a super helper to leaders Sepp Kuss, Jonas Vingegaard and Primoz Roglic in the Vuelta a España, but the 37-year-old climber subsequently emerged from the Vuelta not completely fit. "In addition to some of the most beautiful memories from my professional career, I also brought with me an annoying cough," Gesink said via Instagram.

The experienced rider still hopes to prepare for Il Lombardia on Saturday, October 7, but next Saturday's Giro dell'Emilia comes too early. And that is a bitter pill for Gesink, who has very fond memories of this race. He won the Italian one-day race twice in his career, in 2009 and a year later in 2010. "I miss out on one of the most beautiful races of the season," said Gesink.

Jumbo-Visma, Gesink's team, can count on another two-time winner in the Giro dell'Emilia on Saturday. Primoz Roglic, the best on the iconic climb to the sanctuary of San Luca in 2019 and 2021, will appear at the start. The Slovenian is also one of the big favorites for victory.