EF Education pull stage winner Valgren and Shaw from the Giro d'Italia with summer in mind

EF Education-EasyPost had to deliver the sad news ahead of the Giro d’Italia that leader Richard Carapaz could not start. The switch had to be made, and the attacking team went on to win stage 17 with Michael Valgren. Now the American squad is pulling the Dane out of the race, along with James Shaw. And there is a striking reason for that.

EF Education-EasyPost have been dealing with plenty of injury trouble away from the Giro d’Italia. Archie Ryan is yet to race this season because of persistent injury problems, and the Irishman was operated on in February. That procedure has finally allowed him to look ahead again. Harry Sweeny is also out, and last week Kasper Asgreen broke his collarbone in the Four Days of Dunkirk.

So the American team had to think carefully about the next steps. Like every team, they want to make a splash in the Tour de France, which starts in a little over a month. Carapaz will be the leader there, but Asgreen also had a place pencilled in. Whether he can still go now is another matter.

That means the team is taking Valgren and Shaw out of the Giro with three days to go. “Both riders have given a huge amount to the team over the past weeks, and we are proud of the way they have raced,” the statement on X reads.

“But with several riders currently sidelined through injury, and with Michael and James in a crucial role for our goals this summer, we have decided to prioritise their health, recovery and preparation for the important block of racing ahead. We have enormous respect for the Giro, and will keep fighting until Rome.”

It therefore seems likely that Valgren and Shaw will be part of the team for the Tour de France. With those two out, EF go to Rome with five riders: Samuele Battistella abandoned on stage 5. Jardi van der Lee is still there for the team, alongside Markel Beloki, Madis Mihkels and Darren Rafferty.