Charlotte Kool’s Tour de France Femmes ended before it really began, with Picnic PostNL confirming she will not start stage 2 following ongoing effects from a crash at the Baloise Ladies Tour.
Kool lined up in Vannes for Sunday’s opener with hopes of riding into form, just a week removed from hitting the deck heavily on the final stage in Belgium. The 25-year-old fought through the 124km to Plumelec but was visibly off the pace, distanced before the decisive final climb where Marianne Vos took the stage win.
“Coming back and recovering from her crash in the Baloise Ladies Tour, Charlotte Kool was feeling better, felt good on the bike and could start yesterday’s opening stage in Vannes,” said her team in a statement. “However, after a hard opening stage and having to push on the pedals, she found herself not able to respond the way she would have liked.”
The decision to withdraw was made on Monday morning after discussions with team medical staff. Despite feeling improved in training, the intensity of the opening day clearly showed she wasn’t yet ready to race at full capacity.
“I was feeling good on the training rides I did earlier this week and was hoping to get through the first two stages before the bigger bunch sprint chances on stage three and four,” Kool said. “I wish my teammates the best of luck for the rest of the race and I’ll be cheering them on.”
Last year, Kool enjoyed a great home Tour start with two stage wins and was marked as one of the key favourites for this year’s expected sprints. Her absence now reshapes the dynamics for the fast finishes to come.
“She was continuing to get better each day,” team doctor Jelle Posthuma explained. “But after the opening day of racing, it took more out of her than expected; both physically and mentally. She will head home now to rest and recover.”
Coach Albert Timmer added: “Of course it’s sad to lose Charlotte from the race like this but her health comes first and we wish her a good and speedy recovery. We have a strong team here that can be in the race on every stage, and we will continue to fight for day results.”
Picnic PostNL now continue the Tour with Pfeiffer Georgi, Franziska Koch, Rachele Barbieri, Nienke Vinke, Francesca Barale and Megan Jastrab.
