After Andy Schleck’s exit from Paris-Nice yesterday due to gastroenteritis, young American talent Taylor Phinney is one of several who have not started today’s stage of the race.
The BMC Racing Team rider has been struck down by the same ailment, and will now not be able to help Tejay Van Garderen defend or improve upon his third place overall.
“Woke up at 2:30am and threw up everything I ate yesterday... Seems to be a stomach bug going around at this race,” he said via Twitter.
“Really down... This stomach bug has taken everything out of me. I hate quitting more than anything but have to look out for my body.
“Have to thank my team for looking out for me and being so supportive. Not starting is one of the most difficult things to do as an athlete.”
Directeur sportif Rik Verbrugghe said that continuing would not have been the right decision. “It was better for him to take some rest and to recover because he's having intestinal troubles,” he stated, “vomiting last night and diarrhea this morning."
Also out are Scheck’s RadioShack Nissan team-mates Jan Bakelants and Joost Posthuma, who have also succumbed to stomach problems.
The Lotto Belisol team is also down two men; Olivier Kaisen crashed yesterday and has decided not to continue, while bronchitis has ruled the Australian Adam Hansen out.
Bradley Wiggins (Sky Procycling) leads the overall classification, the Briton holding a six second lead over Leipheimer and twelve over Van Garderen.