Team SD Worx-Protime has announced that they will not participate in the Classic Brugge-De Panne on Thursday. The team cited several riders struggling with injuries, exacerbated by a recent crash at Danilith Nokere Koerse. Additionally, key members of the team are currently away at a training camp, making it impossible to field a complete squad for De Panne.
Sporting Manager Danny Stam expressed regret at having to forego this classic event, highlighting the ongoing recovery process for injured riders and their aim to return to full strength for upcoming major races. Lorena Wiebes, one of the casualties of the crash at Nokere Koerse, was expected to lead the team in De Panne. However, the team hopes to regroup and challenge for victory at Gent-Wevelgem on Sunday.
Wiebes, a former winner of the Classic De Panne-Brugge and a podium finisher in multiple editions was particularly affected by the injuries sustained in the crash. Stam emphasised the team’s commitment to ensuring her full recovery before returning to competition.
Despite efforts to mitigate the impact of injuries, including drafting Lotte Kopecky to replace Chantal van den Broek-Blaak at Trofeo Alfredo Binda, SD Worx-Protime confirmed that the absence of reserves and the ongoing injuries necessitated their withdrawal from the Classic Brugge-De Panne.
The likes of Anna Shackley and Lonneke Uneken haven’t raced so far in 2024, with the latter suffering from mono and fatigue for most of the 2023 season. Blanka Vas hasn’t raced on the road either after her cyclocross season but is believed to be at altitude with Demi Vollering.
