Millar misses Tour team presentation due to illness

David Millar will miss the Tour de France team presentation with his Garmin-Sharp team today in Liège's centre, but still start the race on Saturday. He's feeling sick and is being cautious ahead of his 11th participation.

"I'm feeling much better," he explained in an e-mail the team sent to Cycling Weekly. "The team has taken really good care of me and at this point, I'm optimistic that I'll be fully recovered by tomorrow."

As he did in the Giro d'Italia in May, he'll in support of team leader Ryder Hesjedal.

"The two Davids [Millar and Zabriskie], Tyler Farrar, Robbie Hunter and Johan Van Summeren have that experience and strength," Hesjedal said this morning. Sports Director Allan Peiper added, "These are the guys that will keep Hesjedal on the front of the race daily."

Garmin underlined that the alarm bells are not sounding loud. It's different from the situation three years ago in 2009, when knee tendonitis forced Dan Martin out only two days beforehand.

"David has been ill with a stomach bug," the team explained to Cycling Weekly via e-mail. "Today he is feeling better but as a precaution he is in the hotel, where he is continuing to recover. His health is our priority and as of now, we are optimistic that he will be healthy by Saturday."

Millar helped the team win the time trial last year and put then team-mate, Thor Hushovd in the yellow jersey for seven days. He'll have his chance in the prologue in Liège and in certain escapes, but he must skip this evening's presentation in Place Saint-Lambert to be ready.

Related links

Team Sky Tour de France recon photo special

Tour de France 2012: Coverage index