Lorena Wiebes will not compete in this season’s Giro d’Italia Women. With a summer packed with both the Olympic Games and the Tour de France Femmes, the 25-year-old sprinter from SD Worx-Protime has chosen to prepare with the Tour of Belgium and the Thüringen Ladies Tour instead. Wiebes shared her plans during the presentation of the Tour de France Femmes in Rotterdam.
Wiebes is set to participate in the Thüringen Ladies Tour from June 25-30 and the Baloise Ladies Tour from July 17-21. Her preparation will also include appearances at two gravel races, the RideLondon Classique in late May, the Tour of Britain Women in early June, and the Dutch National Road Championships on June 23. She has decided to skip the Giro due to its limited sprint opportunities this year. Her strategy is aimed at peaking for the Olympics in Paris.
“The Games are really my main focus this year. But with the Tour de France Femmes following so closely, it’s likely I can carry over good form,” Wiebes stated, born in Mijdrecht. The French stage race, starting in Rotterdam this year, kicks off just a week after the women’s Olympic road race.
While selection for this summer’s Olympics is not yet confirmed, Wiebes has been in close contact with the national coach. “We spoke last week about the spring season. Now, I’m waiting for a call to see if there’s a role for me in Paris, and I’ll have to see if I agree with their plans,” she explained.
Moreover, the Tour’s start in the Netherlands is a major highlight in Wiebes’ calendar. With two sprint stages and a prologue on the itinerary, she sees a substantial chance for stage victories and perhaps clinching the yellow jersey. “The short time trial offers a big opportunity, especially to keep the yellow jersey after the first day,” Wiebes added, highlighting her ambitions.
