After being involved in a heavy crash during yesterday’s stage, Wiebes suffered some abrasions and required stitches to her elbow. In consultation with the team’s medical staff after being thoroughly examined, she was given the all clear to start today’s stage. However, after fighting hard throughout the day she succumbed to her injuries and had to step off the bike.
Wiebes said: “I am really proud of the two stage wins we achieved together but of course I am really disappointed to end that great week here with the team by not finishing the race. It’s better now though to get some rest and recover for the next goals. I want to wish the rest of the girls the best of luck for tomorrow’s final stage.”
Team DSM coach Albert Timmer added: “We could always use a rider like Lorena but in the end we had to keep her health in mind. We knew it would have been tough on the climbs but she was given the all clear to start and she wanted to as well. It turned out to be just a bit too much for her today and she stopped, and that’s okay. We can still look back on a good two wins together and it gives Lorena a chance to build and recover for the final part of the season.”
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