John Degenkolb and Fabio Jakobsen will not take part in the 2025 Tour de France, with Team Picnic PostNL confirming today that both riders are still in recovery and will not be fit in time for July.
Degenkolb has been sidelined since his crash at the Tour of Flanders, where he suffered a fractured collarbone, wrist and elbow. Although surgery went well, his recovery timeline has since been extended. What had initially appeared to be manageable has turned into a longer rehabilitation process following further assessments post-crash.
Jakobsen, meanwhile, has been dealing with a long-standing vascular issue. Diagnosed earlier this year with iliac artery flow limitations in both legs, he underwent corrective surgery in early April. His recovery has progressed steadily – he’s now riding outdoors again – but the team has decided not to rush his return to full competition.
Photo Credit: Team Picnic PostNLTeam doctor Camiel Aldershof explained that while Jakobsen’s post-surgery progress has been positive, the physiological demands of the Tour are simply not compatible with his current stage of recovery. “He’s doing well and showing all the right signs, but there’s still a way to go before he can return to top-level racing. We’re focused on a full and healthy recovery, not rushing things.”
The absence of both sprinter and classics rider will reshape Picnic PostNL’s Tour strategy. Head coach Rudi Kemna acknowledged the setback, but said the team will adapt.
“It’s unfortunate to miss riders of John and Fabio’s calibre, but their long-term health is our priority. We’ll rework our plans accordingly and give others the opportunity to step up. That’s part of what makes the Tour so dynamic,” said Kemna.
Degenkolb’s loss in particular will be felt on the cobbled and transitional stages, while Jakobsen’s sprinting power leaves a clear gap in the team’s ambitions for stage wins. With neither rider set to feature, Picnic PostNL will head to the Grand Départ in Lille with a different look and potentially a broader focus on breakaways and climbing support roles.
