'With no Richie, the plans had to change' - James Shaw, EF Education-EasyPost on the Giro d'Italia breakaway hunt after Carapaz withdrawal

James Shaw and EF Education-EasyPost faced a significant strategic shift ahead of the 2024 Giro d’Italia following the late withdrawal of their general classification leader, Richard Carapaz. Carapaz, who had previously pulled out of the Vuelta a España due to illness, was unable to start the Giro because of lingering effects from surgery. This unexpected absence forced the team to abandon their original plan centred around Carapaz’s GC ambitions and instead focus on breakaway opportunities, giving riders like Shaw a chance to race with more freedom. Shaw, who was initially brought to the Giro to support Carapaz, acknowledged the increased difficulty of getting into breakaways in modern Grand Tours. He highlighted that the quality of riders in these groups has risen considerably, with many riders either aiming to regain GC positions or having abandoned their overall hopes but still riding aggressively. Despite these challenges, Shaw welcomed the opportunity to pursue his own chances and gain personal experience in the race, reflecting a pragmatic approach to the altered team dynamics. With extensive Grand Tour experience, including multiple Tours de France and Vueltas, Shaw contrasted the Giro’s unique demands with those of other major races. He described the Giro as the toughest to complete due to its longer stages, more severe mountain climbs, and often unpredictable weather, while also noting its scenic and romantic appeal. This year’s Giro also reunited him with a former amateur clubmate, Josh Giddings, who received a late call-up, adding a personal dimension to the race for Shaw. Shaw’s preparation for the Giro differed from the conventional altitude camps, as he came into the race after competing in the Ardennes Classics, which presented contrasting conditions. His strategy involves carefully selecting stages to conserve energy and maximise breakaway potential on key days. While the team’s distinctive ‘Alien’ kit attracted attention, Shaw remained grounded in his race objectives, focusing on tactical execution and making the most of his opportunities in the absence of their GC leader.