Laporte makes comeback in ADAC Cyclassics Hamburg, Van Aert replaces Kooij due to sickness
Defending champion Team Visma | Lease a Bike will start Sunday’s ADAC Cyclassics Hamburg with a strong line-up. Wout van Aert replaces the ill Olav Kooij, last year’s winner, while Christophe Laporte is set to make his comeback after a long absence. “I have been working towards this moment for months, and I can’t wait.”
In northern Germany, Van Aert will lead Team Visma | Lease a Bike. He steps in for sprinter and defending champion Kooij. Head of Racing Grischa Niermann explains: “After a strong Tour de Pologne, Olav began experiencing symptoms of illness this week. 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 will begin the last phase of his season a few days earlier than originally planned. “I was immediately on board when the idea came up earlier this week”, the Belgian classics specialist says. “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.”
"Wout a fantastic replacement, Christophe a big boost"
Laporte returns
Laporte has also raced in Hamburg before. Last year, he guided Kooij to victory. “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”, Laporte says.
The Frenchman last competed in early October of last year, when he claimed a stunning victory at Paris-Tours. The 32-year-old Frenchman entered the winter full of confidence, until tests in January revealed he was suffering from cytomegalovirus. The virus kept him off the bike for months. “It was the toughest period of my cycling career. I had never experienced anything like it before.”
“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”, Laporte tells.
Gaining race rhythm
Laporte was cheering in front of the television during the final stage of the Tour de France. “I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Seeing Wout ride solo onto the Champs-Élysées was truly magnificent - great for him and the whole team. 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.”
Niermann is delighted with Laporte’s return to the Dutch squad. “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.”
"It was the toughest period of my cycling career"
Laporte hopes to do several races before the end of the season. “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”, the rider concludes.
Alongside Laporte and Van Aert, Team Visma | Lease a Bike’s seven-man line-up for Sunday includes Niklas Behrens, Attila Valter, Loe van Belle, Menno Huising, and Edoardo Affini.
