The form of Philippe Gilbert and Oliver Naesen has been thrown into doubt ahead of the Tour of Flanders due to illness.
Both Belgians have suffered ailments in the lead-up to the cobbled Monument, with Gilbert pulling out of Dwars door Vlaanderen on Wednesday (April 3) and Naesen finishing 19th.
Gilbert suffered stomach problems early this week, but is hoping to start in Flanders.
Naesen (Ag2r La Mondiale) has been battling a bout of bronchitis and started a course of antibiotics in the hopes of being healthy for Flanders on Sunday (April 7).
>>> British Cycling accused of ‘undermining women’s racing’ as organisers cancel Bristol Grand Prix
He has been on the form of his career this season, finishing second in Milan-San Remo and third in Ghent-Wevelgem, but the illness could threaten his chance of a first major win.
The 28-year-old told cycling news site Wielerflits (opens in new tab): “My main task is to stay healthy and ensure this doesn’t get any worse.”
He joked that he may have caught the illness when he was doused in champagne on the podium of Ghent-Wevelgem last week.
Former winner of the Tour of Flanders Gilbert (Deceuninck – Quick-Step) had been experiencing stomach problems on the evening before the Dwars door Vlaanderen.
He started the mid-week event, but was forced to pull out 40km from the finish due to feeling unwell.
Gilbert said on Twitter: “Started Dwars door Vlaanderen with a smile but had to quit the race a bit later with stomach problems.
“Nothing too serious but I didn’t want to take any risk for the coming Sundays.
“Full focus on the Tour of Flanders now.”
>>> ‘Egan Bernal can define an era,’ says Alberto Contador
Another Belgian is questionable for the event this weekend, Sep Vanmarcke.
The EF Education First rider was involved in a high-speed crash at the E3 BinckBank Classic last week, injuring his knee, ribs and ankle.
Vanmarcke skipped Ghent-Wevelgem and Dwars door Vlaanderen, and will test his health during the Flanders recon with the team on Friday.
Thank you for reading 10 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
-
Five dark horses for the men's Tour of Flanders 2023Outside bets who could spring a surprise in 'De Ronde'
-
‘It’s not complicated, I can either follow or I can’t’ - Tom Pidcock on his Tour of Flanders chances
Strade Bianche winner believes that his performance on Sunday won't be hampered by recent lack of racing time
-
Tour of Flanders 2023: Five men and five women to watch on Sunday
Taking a closer look at the favourites ahead of this year's Ronde van Vlaanderen
-
Strength in numbers: How Jumbo-Visma and SD Worx have bossed the run-up to Tour of Flanders
The Dutch super-teams are dominating the Classics, making it look easy. With so many options, can they be stopped?
-
Handing Classics win to Christophe Laporte secured Wout van Aert undying loyalty of key Flanders lieutenant
After Gent-Wevelgem collaboration, Laporte will bury himself in a cloud of dust in service of Van Aert next Sunday
-
How E3 showed us what Van Aert, Van der Poel and Pogačar need to do to win the Tour of Flanders
Wout van Aert might have won on Friday, but everything could change next Sunday
-
All Flanders Classics races, from Omloop to the Tour of Flanders, to have equal prize money
Women will earn the same as men from this year, as €400,000 is split across six races
-
Adrie van der Poel reveals banter exchanged with Mathieu before CX World Championships
Van der Poel senior says that his sons cyclo-cross season has been ‘perfect’ preparation for a strong start to the cobbled classics
