Laporte ("can’t wait") returns to racing in Hamburg after virus, van Aert replaces ill Kooij

Kooij recently rode the Tour of Poland, where he won the opening stage. “After a strong Tour de Pologne, Olav began experiencing symptoms of illness this week,” said Grischa Niermann on the team's website. "He turned out unfit to start. With Wout, we have a fantastic replacement ready. He is very motivated to make the most of the final part of his season."

Van Aert was supposed to make his comeback in the Deutschland Tour (August 20), but Sunday's German one-day race fit well into the schedule. “I was immediately on board when the idea came up earlier this week. Within my build-up and training plan, it only took a small adjustment to add this race. This is a WorldTour race that often turns into a battle between sprinters and strong classics riders. From my only participation in 2022, I know the course suits me well.”

Van Aert finished second that year behind the surprise winner Marco Haller. Laporte is ready to support his team leader. “Hopefully we can aim high again this year with Wout. I hope I’m strong enough to help him and the team. Without rhythm, it’s hard to predict of course. The most important thing for me is simply being back on the bike and no longer following the team only on television.”

The last time the 32-year-old Frenchman raced was last year, when he won Paris-Tours in October. It was his last race, because he contracted cytomegalovirus after the winter. That kept him out of action for months, and he missed his beloved spring season, among other things. “It was the toughest period of my cycling career. I had never experienced anything like it before,” Laporte recalls.

“This summer I have been able to train well, and I can’t wait to pin on a race number again. Building up my condition wasn’t easy after such a long break. In recent weeks, I have spent time with my teammates in Tignes. It felt fantastic to be part of the group again. I really missed that feeling.”

Of course, Laporte was able to follow cycling from the sidelines this summer, enjoying Van Aert's victory on the Champs-Elysées. “At the same time, it was frustrating at moments to watch races I would normally be competing in. When you keep thinking you’ll be better in a week and it doesn’t work out, it’s very hard. It’s taken a long time, but I’m ready now.”

It's still a bit of a guess as to what Laporte's level will be in Germany. But results aren't important at the moment. “Right now, the priority is to gain race rhythm, also with an eye on next year. My big goal is to win races again. I want to experience that feeling again. First, I need to get back into top form. Once that happens, the good results will follow naturally.”

Niermann is delighted to have Laporte back in the team. The French classics specialist was often an indispensable link in the success of Visma | Lease a Bike. "It’s a big boost for him personally, but also for the team. His current level is difficult to assess, because Christophe is missing rhythm. Of course, we can’t expect him to be battling with the very best straight away, as he has in the past. It will take time, and we’ll build him up steadily without rushing."