Broken ribs from a crash during the Naples stage at the Giro d'Italia, a virus that forced him to withdraw from the Vuelta España, an accident with a hit-and-run driver while training in Tenerife, and most recently, a stone at the Strade Bianche that has sidelined his knee. It can be said of almost anything except that bad luck is leaving Gianmarco Garofoli alone—he was, and as the incident that occurred on the Tuscan gravel roads a few days ago demonstrates, continues to be plagued by setbacks that at the most inopportune moments are forcing him to stop.

As communicated by the rider himself on his Instagram account, the Marche-based cyclist will indeed, due to the unfortunate mishap that befell him in Tuscany, be forced once again to spend a period away from racing and more intense training, effectively losing the opportunity to capitalize on the work done in recent months during races in the coming weeks.

"At the Strade Bianche a stone hit my knee directly, in a delicate spot. At first it seemed like nothing, one of those impacts that pass. But it wasn't. A long break awaits me, necessary to avoid compromising everything else" explained a clearly frustrated Garofoli, who is understandably annoyed at having to put his 2026 season on hold.

"I want to be honest: it's not easy to accept. When you're feeling good, when you sense you're building something, stopping like this hurts. More mentally than physically. But this is part of the game. Sport isn't just when you're performing well, when everything is going as it should. It's also this: stopping, being patient, putting the pieces back together and not losing your mind".

With this clear awareness, the native of Ancona, once the problem is resolved, will roll up his sleeves to regain his legs and fitness ahead of the many commitments that still await him in a season that remains long and full of opportunities to seize.

"Now everything changes. No races, no adrenaline. Only silent work, therapy, long days and a mind that must stay sharp. I'll use this time to fine-tune every detail and come back with even more hunger" is Garofoli's promise, a rider whom everyone hopes can continue on his path of growth among the professionals, finally being left in peace by the misfortune that so far seems to have had a real knack for finding him.