Team Sunweb have decided to withdraw Warren Barguil from the Vuelta a España, the team have announced.
According to the team, the 25-year-old, recent winner of two stages and the mountain jersey at the Tour de France openly expressed that he didn’t race in accordance with the team’s goal, and this left Team Sunweb with no other option than to take the decision to withdraw hm from the race.
“Working according to a team plan with clear goals is deeply anchored in the team’s way of working,” the team announced in a statement. “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.”
Barguil said: “I have to leave the Vuelta by the decision of the team. I feel very well and have good legs. I see myself in a different 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.”
The statement continued: “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.”
Richard Stevenson