Giro d'Italia 2023: Primoz Roglic's support team in tatters as Team Jumbo-Visma hit by Covid-19 outbreak

Team Jumbo-Visma’s preparations for the Giro d'Italia have taken a huge hit with Primoz Roglic’s support team affected by a Covid-19 outbreak. Robert Gesink and Tobias Foss both contracted the virus at the Tour de Romandie last week and have now withdrawn from the team’s provisional eight-man line-up. Ad Jos van Emden and Rohan Dennis have been drafted in to replace the duo, with the latter playing a key role in Tao Geoghegan Hart's surprise Giro victory for Ineos Grenadiers in 2020.

Giro d'ItaliaExclusive: 'Tough' to see Thomas on Roglic and Evenepoel's level at Giro says Contador6 HOURS AGO Speaking to Eurosport Norway, Foss said: “Missing the year's big goal because of something you can't control is incredibly annoying, but ultimately, something you can't do anything about. “It's hard to miss the opportunity to be part of a team fighting for victory, but luckily there are new races and goals to stand out.” Preparations for the Grand Tour have been far from ideal and follow on from the news of Wilco Kelderman’s withdrawal after crashing out of the Tirreno-Adriatico, with Sepp Kuss taking his place. Jan Tratnik, Edoardo Affini, Koen Bouwman, and Michel Hessmann complete the Giro line-up, which begins on Saturday.

There is still plenty of strength within the team, with Van Emden and Dennis having 25 Grand Tour starts between them. Van Emden has already raced at the Giro 11 times this month, while the vastly experienced Dennis is set to retire in the winter. Eurosport's Alberto Contador believes Roglic and Remco Evenepoel are the two favourites for glory and believes Geraint Thomas will struggle to compete with the duo.