Romain Bardet (Team DSM) has been forced out of the Giro d'Italia due to illness. The French rider, who was shaping up to mount a general classification challenge, started today's stage 13 but had to climb off and into a team car.
In a brief statement Team DSM said the Frenchman, who had been sitting 4th overall and just 14 seconds down, became ill yesterday and his condition had worsened overnight, forcing him out of the race today.
"We are sad to confirm that Romain Bardet has abandoned the Giro," it said. "After becoming sick during yesterday’s stage, his condition worsened overnight and despite all efforts, he is no longer in a position to continue the race."
Italian broadcaster RAI reported Bardet had lay down on the road, he was so ill, after getting off his bike before being picked up by his following team car.
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“I’m really disappointed to leave the race like this – we’ve all worked really hard to get here and invested a lot to be in the best possible shape," Bardet said after the stage ended. "I felt really sick yesterday during the stage and it hasn’t gotten any better.
"We tried all we could to continue but today I had nothing left in me to get through the day. It’s really disappointing but we have a great team here and I’m confident they will continue this Giro in a good way with great spirit and hopefully some more good results. I wish them all the best."
