ProTeam Late Giro call-up Joshua Giddings faces first Grand Tour
# Joshua Giddings Takes on His First Grand Tour After Last-Minute Call-Up
In a dramatic turn of events, Joshua Giddings, a 22-year-old cyclist with ProTeam, finds himself stepping into the spotlight as he prepares for his inaugural Grand Tour at the Giro d’Italia. This opportunity comes after an illness outbreak at Lotto-Intermarché left the team short-handed, compelling Giddings into action just days before the race.
The saga began when a series of unfortunate events struck the Lotto Famenne Classic, including unfavorable weather conditions and dirty roads that resulted in many team members falling ill. As the team strategized following the outbreak, a phone call on Tuesday evening changed the course of Giddings’ month. “They told me there was a possibility I would have to ride the Giro,” Giddings recounted. By Wednesday, amidst the hustle of the official team presentation, Giddings received confirmation of his participation and quickly set about packing his bags. “I started packing my suitcase as soon as I got that first phone call. I just wanted to be ready, just in case…”
Heading into what will be a rigorous three-week competition, Giddings admits that this will mark his first experience with a Grand Tour, a challenge he hasn’t encountered before. Without any specific preparation and having never raced more than eight consecutive days, he expressed some trepidation, particularly regarding his gear. “My first concern was that suitcase. What exactly do you pack for something like this?!” he pondered. To navigate these new waters, Giddings even turned to YouTube, searching for advice on what to pack for a Grand Tour.
Complicating matters further was the travel logistics for his race bike. Since the timing of his call-up was too close to the team’s departure to Bulgaria, he had to secure his training bike for the journey. His race bike was transported from Belgium by Milan Menten, another team member who was also delayed due to illness. “Once I’m in Italy, everything will be fine. Then I’ll have all my bikes,” Giddings assured.
Despite the unexpected circumstances, Giddings is excited about the opportunity ahead. After a rest period following the challenging Paris-Roubaix, he finds himself ready to embrace the experience without the burden of anxiety. “I didn’t have time to prepare, I’ve just come out of a rest period after Paris–Roubaix. But that also meant I didn’t have time to get nervous. I can’t change my current form anymore; it is what it is,” he stated. Giddings demonstrated a healthy mentality, emphasizing, “All I can do is start with the right mindset, and I have that. I don’t feel any pressure. I just want to do my best and enjoy the experience. It’s a crazy situation, but this is definitely a big step in my career.”
As Giddings gears up for the Giro d’Italia, the cycling community watches closely, eager to see how this talented young rider will perform in the face of such unique challenges.
