Garmin-Cervelo's World Champion, Thor Hushovd, was supposed to get his first opportunity of the 2011 season to show off his brilliant arc-en-ciel jersey on Sunday at the Challenge Mallorca, but a case of food poisoning has laid the Norwegian low.
Speaking to Norway's TV 2 Sport, Hushovd's coach Atle Kvålsvoll relays the disappointing news that the two-time Green Jersey winner will miss out on his season start in Mallorca on Sunday.
"It's nothing serious, but he has been stripped of his strength and will not be competing."
Kvålsvoll is quick to note, however, that Hushovd's food poisoning is only a small hiccup and nothing that will disturb his plans for the Spring.
"This will not set him back, and it will not affect his preparation for the rest of the seaon. For now, Thor will take a little rest over the weekend and then resume training next week. Right now, it is especially important to recharge the batteries, and we don't want to take any risks...Thor has trained very well since the New Year, and he is where he should be."
The rider who heads into the 2011 races with his main goal centered on Paris-Roubaix won't have to wait long to jump into the new season. He'll make his start at the Tour of Oman in a week and a half, on February 15th.