Team Sky's Owain Doull 'recovering well' after operation to remove appendix
"Not exactly how I pictured my WorldTour debut" rider says on Instagram
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DxRnKCkQCmx5DqBckRYvXK-415-80.jpg)
Owain Doull at the Tour Down Under 2017
Having been forced to pull out of the People's Choice Classic and the Tour Down Under due to "stomach problems", Owain Doull is now recovering in hospital after an operation to remove his appendix.
The new Team Sky recruit had been expecting to make his WorldTour debut on Tuesday, but will now spend the next few days in hospital as he recovers from the operation.
"Initially Owain had a stomach bug and he had those symptoms for around 36 hours. He was starting to improve, but on Tuesday morning his stomach pain became a lot worse," said Team Sky doctor Neil Heron.
Heron continued: "We began to suspect appendicitis and he was taken to Royal Adelaide Hospital where they confirmed the suspected diagnosis.
"The earliest he will leave the hospital is Thursday and recovery and recuperation is likely to take at least four weeks. Owain is obviously disappointed, but he appreciates he needs to be 100% fit to get back racing."
After having the operation, Doull took to Instagram to post a message to fans as he recovered in a hospital bed.
"Not exactly how I pictured making my WorldTour debut," Doull wrote. "But when your appendix ruptures there isn't much you can do."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Doull had previously stated that he hoped a strong performance at the Tour Down Under would put him in contention for a ride at the Tour of Flanders.
However the Welshman will now be out of action until late February, with a possible return to racing at the Abu Dhabi Tour.
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
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
'I'm definitely pushing over 2,500 watts' - Meet the most powerful cyclists in the GB Olympics squad
Move over track sprinters, there are stronger legs in town
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Team USA aims for 7-10 cycling medals at Paris Olympics, here are the top American contenders to watch
Chloe Dygert, Jennifer Valente, and Hannah Roberts among top contenders to contribute to the medal count
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
It's time to stop expecting so much of Ineos Grenadiers at the Tour de France
The British team are always under pressure to match their past best, but it’s not going to happen anytime soon
By Adam Becket Published
-
Tom Pidcock says Ineos Grenadiers will be 'better' at the Tour de France without Steve Cummings
Netflix series depicted tension between the DS and rider, dynamic sources told Cycling Weekly carries a degree of accuracy
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock 'dreaming' of taking yellow jersey on opening weekend of Tour de France
British rider hopes to play starring role in Italian Grand Départ
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I think I'll get the opportunity to go for a stage' - Geraint Thomas relishing support role at Tour de France
Former yellow jersey winner says this year's race "could be my last"
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Carlos Rodríguez to lead Ineos Grenadiers at Tour de France, supported by Geraint Thomas and Tom Pidcock
British squad will aim to "race aggressively and disrupt" at the French Grand Tour
By Adam Becket Published
-
21 things you didn't know about Tom Pidcock
According to the man himself, he's never had a hangover. It's alright for some.
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock adds extra mountain bike race to schedule, one week before Tour de France
Pidcock confirms he will race World Cup event in Crans Montana, Switzerland ahead of Olympic title defence
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
5 things we learned from the first week of the 2024 Giro d’Italia
The Italian Grand Tour is firmly underway and Tadej Pogačar is in the pink jersey. Here are our takeaways from the first week of action
By Tom Thewlis Published