Wout van Aert shines on the Finestre with Daisy Gesink in mind: "We heard the news from Robert on Friday"

Gesink posted an Instagram message on Saturday announcing his wife's passing: "You will live in our hearts forever. Thank you for all the love you gave us, for your beautiful smile that lit up every room. It breaks my heart that we have to go on without you, but above all, I’m so proud to be your husband."

The Giro organization acted appropriately and allowed the men of Visma | Lease a Bike to line up in the front row at the start of the final stage for a minute's silence in memory of Robert Gesink's deceased partner.

Wout van Aert told Sporza that the riders already knew before Saturday that Daisy Gesink had passed away. "We had already received the news from Robert on Friday. We knew what was going on, but no one expected Daisy to pass away so quickly."

The Belgian had already posted on social media that his thoughts were with Gesink's family and climbed Finestre with that thought in mind. "It's very difficult to keep your mind on the race. It's in the back of your mind. Sometimes life is very unfair."

"They are both big cycling fans, and I think they followed the race until the last few days and found distraction in it," Van Aert said from the Giro. "I think we can do Robert a favor by delivering a good performance here today. Olav Kooij has fought his way through this tough Giro, especially to be able to sprint here."