Just two days ago, EF Education-EasyPost’s Michael Valgren had an amazing win on Stage 17 from Cassano d’Adda to Andalo. His victory salute was equally amazing.
In the reduced finale, Valgren found himself in a small front group with Andreas Leknessund, Igor Arrieta, Einer Rubio, Damiano Caruso and Aleksandr Vlasov after a chaotic, tactical final kilometre split things apart.
Though he briefly looked on the limit, the veteran Dane was incredible, proving once again that winning bike races is sometimes more about smarts than pure watts.
“I was still missing this one on my resume,” the veteran Dane said about his first Grand Tour stage win. “I think I deserved this one.”
When he crossed the line to celebrate, Valgren reached into his back pocket and grabbed a Poké Ball. It was for a good reason.
“My son made it for me when I went to the Tour last year with a lot of morale,” he said. “The Poké Ball is in our team colours and is my lucky charm.”
Well, despite the win, we won’t be seeing the Dane, or James Shaw, at the finish in Rome. EF posted a statement about the situation:
“Michael Valgren and James Shaw will not start stage 19 of the Giro d’Italia. Both riders have given a huge amount to the team over the past weeks and we are proud of the way they have raced,” it read. “With several riders already sidelined through injury this season, and with Michael and James both essential to our goals this summer, we have made the decision to prioritize their health, recovery, and preparation for the important block of racing ahead.”
Danish outlet Feltet wondered if this meant the American team is considering the Dane for the Tour de France. When asked, a spokesperson for the team said:
“Of course, the squad for the Tour has not yet been finalized, but he could become a valuable piece,” the response reads.
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