Romain Bardet out of Paris-Nice due to ongoing discomfort in his shoulder after Portugal crash

One last season as a professional road racer. Romain Bardet started the season in great shape after coming back from a team high altitude camp in Tenerife. A strong display at Figueira Champions Classic was followed by an equally impressive ride on the first climbing stage at Volta ao Algarve; where Romain showed his classic vigour and attacking racing style.

Unfortunately, the cycling public couldn’t see that continue as on stage three of that race he abandoned the race after a crash on the run-in to the finish; with Team Picnic PostNL not wanting to take any risks to his health. Assessed at hospital, no fractures were revealed but instead Romain suffered a contusion to his shoulder.

Ever the fighter, Romain wanted to get back into action so once he was medically cleared to do so, he pinned numbers back on a week later at Faun-Ardèche Classic and Faun Drôme Classic. Yet, despite his best efforts, it became apparent that the crash in Algarve was still causing some issues.

One week on and there has not been enough progress in his recovery, so therefore with his health and fitness in interest, Romain won’t start at Paris-Nice this weekend.

Bardet explained: “During the races last weekend it became clear that I still had some problems due to the crash in Portugal. I was hopeful that things would get better this week after some extra rehab but unfortunately things are still not where they should be. I’m thankful that together with the team we tried to see what was possible, but also that they haven’t put any pressure on me to race when I’m not 100 percent. We will relook to my program and hopefully I can get back to full health soon and we can achieve some nice things together in the coming months. I wish the guys at Paris-Nice the best of luck!”

Team Picnic PostNL doctor Camiel Aldershof expressed: “Romain is still suffering from the effects of the impact he sustained in a crash two weeks ago during the Volta ao Algarve in Portugal. To ensure he can return to full race fitness as soon as possible, he will take a few more days to recover, combined with intensive therapy. Unfortunately, the start of Paris-Nice comes just a little too soon in his rehabilitation process.”

Team Picnic PostNL head coach Rudi Kemna added: “It’s incredibly disappointing for Romain that he has to miss Paris-Nice. His winter preparation went perfectly, and everything was geared towards making a strong GC bid in what was set to be his final Paris-Nice, supported by a solid team both in the mountains and in the crosswinds. But his crash in the Algarve has left him with too much discomfort in his shoulder, making it impossible to ride safely and freely. Now, the focus shifts to an intensive recovery process, and together, we’ll adjust our plans with the ultimate goal in mind: being at our best for the Giro.”

Tim Naberman will replace Bardet as the seventh rider on the team’s roster for Paris-Nice as they look to their ambitions in the sprints and breakaways.