Jur Vrieling and Zirocco Blue have withdrawn from further competition in Rio after two eliminations earlier in the week.

Vrieling and Zirocco Blue had qualified with the Dutch team for today’s final, but it will be Jeroen Dubbeldam, Maikel van der Vleuten and Harrie Smolders who have to fight for another Championship medal without their fourth rider.

Vrieling has posted the following on his Facebook page;

"Never before I have gone to a championship with so much trust. I have spent many years working towards this with Zirocco. He seemed more than ready for it, and I never expected it to turn out the way it did.. Zirocco is my everything, my best friend, and I will do anything for him. For now, it is important to go back home and regain our trust, with taking a few steps back to rebuild our confidence together.

As for today I will support the other teammembers as much as I still can. Jeroen, Maikel and Harrie rode incredible rounds and have been supporting me the whole week, like true friends. I really hope they can continue the way they started the competition and will succeed today. They deserve it more than anyone!"

Source: Jur Vrieling's official Facebook page / Picture © Jenny Abrahamsson