Team Sunweb takes Warren Barguil out of Vuelta a España
Aug 26 2017 04:48 pm CET
SUBSCRIBE TO RSS FEEDSTeam Sunweb has decided to withdraw Warren Barguil from the Vuelta a España. The French rider was sent home after failing to follow team instructions in Friday's stage 7.
Barguil was riding the Spanish grand tour as the team's second leader but was asked to help principal leader Wilco Kelderman return to the peloton after the Dutchman punctured late in the stage.
At the following team meeting, Barguil reportedly said that he does not think of himself as a helper, which eventually led to the team's decision to take this rigorous measure.
"I have to leave the Vuelta by the decision of the team," Barguil said in a press statement issued by Sunweb. "I feel very well and have good legs. I see myself in different a role and am eager to attack in the mountains, as I did in the Tour. The Vuelta is a great race and it is disappointing to leave but this is a decision from the team that I need to accept."
Sunweb further explains its decision elsewhere in the press release: "Working according to a team plan with clear goals is deeply anchored in the team's way of working. Since 2008 this has been the basis of the gradual growth and success of Team Sunweb, therefore is a value that cannot be varied. The team appreciates Barguil's openness about his motives at the Vuelta.
"Together with the talented Barguil the team have had many successes. He is a valued rider, who means and has meant a lot to the team. After the Vuelta, Barguil will pick up his planned race program."
In July, Barguil finished 10th in the Tour de France in addition to picking up two stage wins and the Polka Dot Jersey. Not much later, it was announced that the rider had signed a contract to join Fortuneo-Oscaro next season.
