Michal Kwiatkowski out of Volta ao Algarve with illness

Beñat Intxausti and Michal Kwiatkowski look like they have already formed a friendship as they take part in their first race together for Team Sky at the Challenge Mallorca.

(Image credit: Graham Watson)

By Stuart Clarke

published 17 February 2016

Team Sky will enter the Volta ao Algarve with just seven riders after Michal Kwiatkowski's late withdrawal with a stomach bug.

The Pole, who finished second to new teammate Geraint Thomas in the Portuguese race last year, is the third Sky rider in recent days to be struck down with illness.

Mikel Landa's season debut was put back after he was forced to pull out of the Ruta del Sol, while fellow new signing Beñat Intxausti also pulled out of the Andalucian race.

In Kwiatkowski's absence, Thomas will be a man short in his title defence, with Michal Golas, Sebastian Henao, David Lopez, Ian Stannard, Lars Petter Nordhaug and Salvatore Puccio for support.

Nicolas Roche has replaced Landa in the Ruta del Sol, where Sky will be led by Wout Poels - winner of the recent Volta a Valencia - who will be joined by Vasil Kiryienka, Christian Knees, Gianni Moscon, Ben Swift.

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Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.