Movistar was hit by a virus in the Vuelta a España, which saw three riders abandoning the Spanish Grand Tour. Sergio Pardilla, David López and Ignatas Konovalovas had to leave the race, with Imanol Erviti and Ángel Madrazo being quite low on energy. Most of the team, including staff as well as the riders, were hit by a stomach virus on the morning of the race to Peña Cabarga.
The cause is not clear yet, according to the team's doctor. "Until we get the analysis in our hands, we won't be able to say what's this all about," said Jesús Hoyos. "Since this morning, some riders and some team staff members suffer from gastroenteritis, likely due to food poisoning." Signs of symptoms can vary. "Some of them were feeling bad already since early in the morning, while others, like Madrazo, started feeling bad during the stage."
Not everyone is save yet. "For this virus, the incubation terms may vary, and it might not affect everyone. The symptoms are similar: vomit, diarrhea, severe headache." The doctor and his staff are trying to find the cause for the problem. "We will make some checks this very evening to try and find out more."
General Manager Eusebio Unzué praised his team. "It seems like we got used to disgraces being a motivating factor for the team, but I'm really proud of the behavior by lads today in order to overcome such a hard situation, as seeing half the team giving up." Marzio Bruseghin was seventh, 29 seconds off the pace of the stage winner. "The three who got away from the gastroenteritis had exceptional performances, and so did Erviti and Madrazo, who were able to finish, despite their bad status."
The team will pamper the duo that arrived sick at the finish. "It's going to be difficult, but we'll try to get them recovered by tomorrow. It's another piece of misfortune in such a complicated season," said Unzué.
Pardilla, in only his second Grand Tour, sat 13th overall when he had to abandon. Imanol Erviti and Ángel Madrazo were dropped with 100km to go. The duo did manage to finish the stage inside the time limit, with a 30-minute loss on the day's winner, Chris Froome (Sky).
Pablo Lastras had a good day, being part of the 20-rider break that led for the opening 80km of the stage. Lastras attempted to escape on the downhill of the Cat. 2 Portillo de Lunada, 50km from the finish. That was the climb where Bruseghin first attacked the GC group. He tried again on the final ascent, with five km to go. The Italian was caught two km from the line. Intxausti came home tenth. Bruseghin is now 16th overall in the Vuelta, where Movistar Team will stay, for the time being and awaiting for the virus's effects, with only five riders on course.