The field for this weekend’s Milan-San Remo has taken another hit, as Visma-Lease a Bike’s Marianne Vos has withdrawn from the race due to a family emergency. The news comes just hours after it was announced that Italian champion Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ) would also miss the “Sprinters’ Classic” due to illness. Vos, a perennial contender and last year’s runner-up to Lorena Wiebes, has returned to the Netherlands to be with her father, whose health has taken a concerning turn, according to Dutch outlet Wielerflits.
The 2025 Milan-San Remo was already shaping up to be a fiercely contested race, with Wiebes returning to defend her title and a host of other top sprinters and classics specialists vying for the win. Vos’s absence significantly alters the dynamic, removing a rider consistently capable of both a sprint finish and a long-range attack. Her tactical acumen and experience would have undoubtedly been a factor in the closing kilometers of the 294-kilometer race.
A Pattern of Prioritizing Family
This isn’t the first time Vos has stepped away from competition to focus on her family. Last autumn, she made the challenging decision to withdraw from the UCI Road World Championships in Glasgow, citing the need to spend more time with her father. She also opted to skip the cyclo-cross season this past winter for the same reason, a notable absence for a rider who has historically been a dominant force in the discipline. These decisions underscore the importance Vos places on her personal life, even at the peak of her professional career.
Vos’s commitment to her family resonates with many, and highlights the challenges faced by elite athletes in balancing the demands of their sport with personal responsibilities. Although the cycling world will miss her presence in Italy, the understanding surrounding her situation is palpable.
Reijnhout Steps In for Debut
Replacing Vos in the Visma-Lease a Bike lineup will be 21-year-old Rosita Reijnhout, who will be making her debut in the prestigious Italian classic. Reijnhout represents a new generation of Dutch cycling talent, and this opportunity provides a significant platform for her to showcase her abilities. While lacking the experience of Vos, Reijnhout is a promising rider with a bright future, and the team will undoubtedly rally around her as she takes on this challenge.
The team confirmed the substitution via a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressing their support for Vos and her family. The message read, “Marianne Vos will not start in Milano-Sanremo Donne tomorrow as she has returned home to be with her family after receiving news that her father’s health is critical. Our thoughts are with Marianne and her loved ones. Rosita Reijnhout will start with the team tomorrow.”
A Challenging Week for the Women’s Peloton
The withdrawals of both Vos and Longo Borghini cast a shadow over the upcoming race. Longo Borghini’s absence, confirmed earlier on Friday, was attributed to illness, further thinning the ranks of the pre-race favorites. The Italian champion has been in strong form this season, and her absence leaves a void in the expected front group. Milan-San Remo is known for its unpredictable nature, and these late changes only add to the uncertainty.
The race course itself presents a formidable challenge, with a series of rolling hills and the infamous Poggio climb just kilometers from the finish line. The Poggio, a short but steep ascent, often serves as the launchpad for decisive attacks, and the ability to navigate its challenging gradients will be crucial for success. The descent from the Poggio is equally treacherous, demanding technical skill and courage from the riders.
Looking Ahead
With Vos and Longo Borghini sidelined, the race is now more open than ever. Riders like Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime), Pfeiffer Georgi (Team DSM-PostNL), and Lotte Kopecky (Liv AlUla Jayco) will likely be among the top contenders. The unpredictable weather conditions often associated with Milan-San Remo could also play a significant role, adding another layer of complexity to the race.
The focus now shifts to Saturday’s race, where the remaining contenders will battle for glory on the challenging roads between Pavia and San Remo. The cycling community sends its best wishes to Marianne Vos and her family during this difficult time, and hopes for a swift recovery for her father. Updates on Vos’s family situation are not expected at this time, and the team has requested privacy.
The 2025 Milan-San Remo promises to be a compelling race, despite the unfortunate absences of two of its biggest stars. The event will undoubtedly provide a thrilling spectacle for cycling fans worldwide. Share your thoughts on the race and send your well wishes to Marianne Vos in the comments below.
