Robert has decided to forgo the World Road Cycling Championships this week in Imola, Italy. The Dutch jumbo-Visma, 34, comes out tired of his Tour de France, which he finished in 42nd place.

Netherlands national coach Koos Moerenhout has recalled Nick van der Lijke (Riwal) to replace him in his squad of eight. Moerenhout had already had to record the package of Bauke Mollema, victim of a broken wrist following a fall in the Tour de France. The Trek-Segafredo rider was to play the leader with Tom Dumoulin.

The presence of Dumoulin, 7th in the Grande Boucle, has also yet to be confirmed, he who will first take a few days off at home before, in principle, to compete in the Worlds time trial on Friday, with Jos van Emden. The Limburger is next scheduled for Sunday’s road race with Antwan Tolhoek, Pascal Eenkhoorn, Dylan van Baarle, Pieter Weening, Sam Oomen and Martijn Tusveld.