ASTANA’S TROUBLED BUILD UP TO THE GIRO
The Astana team, invited to the Giro d?Italia at the last minute, suffered a further setback when two of their riders were struck down with illness in the run-up to the start on Saturday.
Astana rider Dmitry Muravyev was forced to pull out of the team when he developed a stomach infection earlier in the week. He was replaced by Lance Armstrong?s former domestique Benjamin Noval.
But Noval has been forced to relinquish his place, after contracting a similar illness. Noval underwent tests this morning, but it was decided he was unfit to start the race. Swiss rider Steve Morabito is being flown in at the last minute to replace Noval.
There are concerns that race favourite and Tour de France champion Alberto Contador, who shared a room with Noval, could also be stricken with the illness.
Astana were given little time to prepare for the Giro, after it was announced only last week that they would be on the start line. And now their preparation has been knocked further.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
Remco Evenepoel suffers fractured rib, shoulder blade and hand in training ride collision
Double Olympic champion collided with a Belgian postal vehicle on Tuesday morning
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Can listening to banging tunes turbo-charge your indoor training?
Everything you need to know about training to music
By Rob Kemp Published