EF surprises and sends Michael Valgren and James Shaw home just three stages before the end of the Giro

Just two days after achieving a brilliant stage victory, Michael Valgren has withdrawn from the 2026 Giro d'Italia at the decision of his own team. EF Education-EasyPost has pulled the Danish rider and also the British James Shaw before the start of stage 19, an unusual decision when the race is already on the doorstep of Rome and neither of the two riders has any known injuries or health issues.

 Unexpected decision by EF in the Giro, farewell to Valgren and Shaw without injuries

The American team explained the measure in a statement released on Friday morning. “Both riders have given so much to the team over the past few weeks and we are proud of how they have competed,” stated EF Education-EasyPost.

The team justified the withdrawal by the need to protect two riders they consider important for their goals in the second half of the season. “With several riders already sidelined due to injury this season, and with Michael and James being essential for our goals this summer, we have decided to prioritize their health, recovery, and preparation for the important block of races that is coming,” added the American squad.

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The decision is particularly striking because it comes with only three stages left in the Giro. Valgren and Shaw will save themselves from the two most demanding mountain stages of the race's conclusion, including the queen stage with nearly 5,000 meters of accumulated elevation and the decisive finish in Piancavallo, in addition to the traditional closing in Rome.

Although EF has not yet confirmed the upcoming commitments of both riders, everything points to the decision being related to the planning for the Tour de France. The French round is the main objective of the American structure during the summer, and the early withdrawal allows both Valgren and Shaw to have several additional days to recover before facing the next part of the season.

The measure also reopens a recurring debate in modern cycling. It is not uncommon for some sprinters to abandon a grand tour when opportunities for mass finishes disappear and only mountain stages remain, but it is much less common to see riders without physical problems abandon a race so close to its conclusion.

In Valgren's case, moreover, the move is even more striking after he demonstrated a high competitive level during this edition of the Giro. The Dane achieved a prestigious stage victory from a breakaway just a few days before receiving the order to step down.

Aware that the decision could generate criticism among fans and organizers, EF Education-EasyPost wanted to make it clear that this is not a lack of commitment to the Italian race. “We have enormous respect for the Giro and we will continue to fight until Rome,” assured the team.

The American squad will continue the race with five riders on the roster, including the Spaniard Markel Beloki, Jefferson Cepeda, and Darren Rafferty, while focusing part of their efforts on arriving with fresh and recovered riders for the major objectives of the summer.