Team Sky’s Mikel Landa has pulled out of the Giro d’Italia on today’s tenth stage after suffering from illness.
Landa, who started the day in 8th place overall, fell ill overnight but was able to start today’s 219km stage from Campi Bisenzio to Sestola. However, despite the support of the team, he was quickly distanced by the peloton and the decision was made for him to abandon the race.
Landa was 1 minute 18 seconds behind overall leader Gianluca Brambilla after a strong performance in Sunday’s Individual Time Trial.
“Mikel was ill overnight but we spoke this morning and he started today’s stage with the hope of being able to pull through,” Dave Brailsford said.
“It was pretty clear that the illness had badly affected him and that he wasn’t going to be able to continue.
“We are really disappointed for Mikel, who was riding well and looking forward to attacking in the mountains and animating the race.
“However we came here as a team and we’ll continue as a team. There is a long way still to go and, although our focus was on Mikel, there’s plenty of time for us to still make an impact at this Giro”
Commenting on Mikel Landa’s illness, Team Doctor Inigo Sarriegui said: “Mikel woke up early this morning feeling unwell with abdominal pains. It appears as though he has a viral gastroenteritis.
“We will assess him at the team hotel and then determine the best course of treatment to ensure he recovers as quickly as possible.”
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