Team Giant-Alpecin was decimated by a car crash during winter training in Spain but Dutch rider Roy Curvers is hoping they can spring a surprise during the Dubai Tour.
A British tourist driving on the wrong of the road, crashed head on into the riders during a training session leaving six riders – John Degenkolb, Warren Barguil, Ramon Sinkeldam, Fredrik Ludvigsson, Max Walscheid and American Chad Haga – injured.
German star Degenkolb had to have his left index finger sewn back on while American Chad Haga suffered serious neck and head injuries and was airlifted to hospital.
The other four suffered injuries that were less severe, but Barguil and Walscheid had wrist, hand and lower-leg fractures between them.
It’s meant preparations for the Tour, which kicks off Wednesday, have been problematic with a new team assembled in the last few days.
Curvers, who came out of the crash unhurt, is fit and ready to ride, though, and the 36-year-old is hoping to lead his team to success over the four-stages.
“The crash has obviously meant that we’ve lost some of our good guys and we’re hoping they all make a speedy recovery,” he said at a meet and greet eve at Go Sports’ Mall of the Emirates flagship store.
“Losing out on John, who was going to be our leader for this and has been in great form, is a big blow.
“But we have some new guys and some young talented guys to step up now.
“After the winter training and the last couple of weeks we just want to start racing now.
“Obviously it’s going to be difficult but we hope to be able to spring a surprise.”
The team hoping to replicate Degenkolb’s second placed finish in last year’s Tour will be Curvers, Bert De Backer, Caleb Fairly, Koen De Kort, Carter Jones and Sindre Skjostad Lunke.
Meanwhile, Haga, who was the most seriously injured in the accident, had over 50 stitches removed yesterday as he continued his recovery.
But the 27-year-old Texan has not let the near-death experience dampen his spirits and has sent out a string of humorous tweets.
He tweeted earlier: “The biggest of smiles after having 45 stitches removed from my face and neck. Still lots to go in a few days. That car got me good!
“It was only for 30min and really slow and easy, but I pedaled a spin bike today.
“My legs are slowly loosening up! Progress every day….As I suspected, though, my biggest challenge for a while will be my neck. Even with the upright position, my neck tired quickly.”
The CEO of Dubai Desert Extreme (DDE), Shahriar Khojasteh, who sponsor and accompany the team on their travels added: “We only got the new team line up a couple of days ago so of course it’s been very tough on them.
“But they’ve come together as one family and are getting through it. It’s been hard without John but we just hope the guys make a speedy recovery.”
