Tragedy Strikes Cycling World: Peloton Pays Tribute to Daisy Gesink
The cycling world was plunged into shock and sadness on Saturday as news emerged of the passing of Daisy Gesink, wife of former Dutch professional cyclist Robert Gesink. The news sent a ripple effect through the peloton, with riders and teams alike paying tribute to her memory.
According to reports from Eurosport.nl, the peloton observed a minute’s silence in memory of Daisy Gesink before the start of the final stage of the Giro d’Italia. The gesture was a poignant reminder of the impact Daisy had on the cycling community. As Eurosport.nl reports, "Kort nadat Gesink het tragische nieuws via Instagram bekendmaakte, ging er een schokgolf door het peloton." (Shortly after Gesink announced the tragic news via Instagram, a shockwave went through the peloton.)
Robert Gesink, a highly respected rider who has had a successful career with teams including Visma | Lease a Bike, was said to have been deeply affected by the loss of his partner, who was also the mother of his two children. The team, which currently sits at the forefront of the Giro d’Italia, had mixed emotions on Saturday as they celebrated Simon Yates’ impressive win in the pink jersey, while also mourning the loss of Daisy.
As Eurosport.nl reports, "Zaterdag was met recht een dag van gemengde gevoelens voor Visma | Lease a Bike. Enerzijds werd op grootse wijze de roze trui veroverd door Simon Yates in de Giro, anderzijds was er het tragische nieuws over de vrouw van een zeer gewaardeerde renner bij de ploeg." (Saturday was truly a day of mixed emotions for Visma | Lease a Bike. On the one hand, Simon Yates conquered the pink jersey in grand style in the Giro, on the other hand, there was the tragic news about the wife of a highly valued rider on the team.)
The team’s riders, including Gijs Leemreize, who is also Daisy’s nephew, gathered at the front of the peloton to pay their respects. Riders wore pink jerseys and special pink shirts as a mark of respect, a poignant gesture that highlighted the close bond between the team and Daisy.
The minute’s silence, which took place before the start of stage 21 in and around Rome, was an emotional moment for all involved. As Eurosport.nl notes, "De minuut stilte was uiteraard een zeer emotioneel moment, vlak voor de start van etappe 21 in en rondom Rome." (The minute’s silence was of course a very emotional moment, just before the start of stage 21 in and around Rome.)
Where to Watch the Giro d’Italia
In 2025, cycling fans can catch all the action from the Giro d’Italia live and exclusively on Eurosport and HBO Max. As Eurosport.nl reports, "Eurosport en HBO Max zijn in 2025 jouw Home of Cycling! De Giro d’Italia is vanaf vrijdag 9 mei elke dag live en exclusief bij ons te zien!" (Eurosport and HBO Max are your Home of Cycling in 2025! The Giro d’Italia will be live and exclusive every day from Friday, May 9th.)
The outpouring of support and tributes to Daisy Gesink serves as a testament to the close-knit nature of the cycling community. As the peloton continues to compete in the Giro d’Italia, their thoughts are with Robert Gesink and his family during this incredibly difficult time.
