News
Road

Giant-Alpecin pull out of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad

By Cycling News

published 18 February 2016

Team lacking enough riders after driver decimated team at camp

Comments

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Image 1 of 5

John Degenkolb (Giant-Alpecin)(Image credit: ASO)

Tom Dumoulin rides near the end of the Giant train.(Image credit: Tim de Waele/TDWSport.com)

John Degenkolb and Simon Geschke (Giant-Alpecin)

John Degenkolb was given an award as best German rider in 2015

The Giant-Alpecin team wait to sign on(Image credit: Courtesy of Polartec-Kometa)

The Giant-Alpecin team have withdrawn from the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad next week. The German team is missing a number of riders, including Classics specialist John Degenkolb, after a driver ran into the team during their camp in Calpe, Spain last month.

Degenkolb, Haga involved in Giant-Alpecin training camp accident

Haga shows humour in light of serious injuries

Degenkolb out for three months, according to surgeon

Haga dodges surgery after Giant-Alpecin crash

Degenkolb in Germany for further treatment after Giant-Alpecin training crash

Degenkolb confirms he will miss the Classics

Giant-Alpecin confirmed the news to Cyclingnews, but said they would line up for Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne the next day.

According to Sporza, the team made the decision because of the injuries to six of their riders, combined with other groups racing at Tour of Oman and the Ruta del Sol.

The news was disappointing to Zico Waeytens, who had the race as a target. "It is a decision of the team," Waeytens said. "Of course I am sorry, but I have to respect their choice.

"The team has been affected by exceptional circumstances, and people need to understand that."

The team is still keeping quiet about the crash, and Waeytens is no exception. "Actually, I prefer not to talk much more about the incident. John is doing well, that is the main thing. We are now looking forward with the team we have. We'll see when John is back again."

Waeytens was sixth in the sprint at Tour of Oman today behind Alexander Kristoff and is still hopeful for a good spring campaign. "I feel good, morale is good and I am motivated. I hope to have a good spring. We'll see what role the team has for me to play."