Froome out of Tirreno, Thomas to lead in France

Chris Froome has pulled out of next week's Tirreno - Adriatico stage race in Italy with a bad back. - Richie Porte will head to Italy and lead Team Sky - Geraint Thomas will take on responsibility at Paris-Nice - Paris-Nice organiser ASO not happy with 'cavalier' attitude

Chris Froome and Richie Porte, Tour de France 2013, stage 14
(Image credit: Graham Watson)

Chris Froome has pulled out of Tirreno - Adriatico next week after he suffered a slight inflammation to a joint in his lower back. Froome was due to lead the team in the only stage race he didn't win in 2013.

The Tour de France winner will now rest before returning to racing at the Volta a Catalunya, the seven-stage race that starts in Calella, north east Spain on March 24.

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