Tao Geoghegan Hart (Lidl-Trek) was due to miss the 2024 Tour de France and make his first appearance on lidl・Trek.

The American team released the news on Friday morning, a few days after Geoghegan Hart revealed he was suffering from COVID-19 after returning to Andorra from Critérium du Dauphiné.

Lidl-Trek also confirmed that the former Giro d'Italia winner broke a rib in the Dauphine after being hit from behind in a Mass Stage 5 crash.

"The news we wish we didn't have to share." Unfortunately, Tao Geoghegan Hart will miss this year's Tour de France," read Lidl・Trek's statement.

"The Brit has been sidelined longer than originally expected after the Critérium du Dauphiné due to illness and injuries, including a broken rib in the crash at Stage 5. 

"I wish all the best of Tao for a good recovery." The team can't wait for him to race at 100 percent as soon as he's ready.

Geoghegan Hart spearheaded the hopes of stage racing when he joined Lidl-Trek from Ineos Grenadiers at the end of last season and tried to become one of the cycling superteams 1. 

It was a season to build back into form as he recovered from a complex femur fracture he suffered at the Giro d'Italia last year. 

His form showed signs of improvement in 2024, making him 4th in the Tour de Romandi on the 9th month. But the crash and illness of the Dauphine derailed the chance of a second appearance on the tour.

Geoghegan Hart was announced at the end of 2023 as one of their leaders alongside versatile sprinter and classic star Mads Pedersen 1. 

The Danish sprinter will be a key focus of the team alongside Giulio Chiccone if the Italians can return to full fitness after suffering the flu last week.

Lidl-Trek has not yet announced a full team for the 2024 Tour de France.

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