In the cycling community, joy and sorrow intertwined on Saturday within the Visma | Lease a Bike team. The day began with excitement following Simon Yates’ stunning performance at the Giro, but the mood quickly shifted with the tragic announcement of Daisy Gesink’s passing, a significant loss felt deeply by the team and her loved ones.
Robert Gesink, a prominent cyclist for the team, shared the heart-wrenching news through an Instagram post. He expressed his grief, stating, “You will always live on in our hearts. Thank you for all the love you gave us, for your beautiful smile that illuminated every room. It breaks my heart that we have to go on without you, but above all, I am proud to be your husband.”
In a show of respect, the Giro organization honored Daisy with a minute of silence before the start of the final stage, allowing the team to remember her in a meaningful way.
Fellow cyclist Wout van Aert revealed that the team had received the news prior to the race. “We learned on Friday about Daisy’s passing. We understood the situation, but none of us expected her to leave us so soon,” he shared.
Van Aert took to social media to express his solidarity with the Gesink family, riding with Daisy in his thoughts as he tackled the challenging Finestre stage. “It’s very tough to keep your mind focused on the race. It lingers at the back of your mind. Sometimes life feels very unfair,” he noted.
The bond between the Gesink family and cycling was evident, as Van Aert highlighted their passion for the sport. “I believe we can honor Robert by putting in a strong performance today. Olav Kooij has pushed through this demanding Giro to be ready for this sprint,” he added.
This poignant day in the cycling world serves as a reminder of the close-knit nature of sports communities, where victories can be bittersweet, but the support for one another remains strong during times of loss.