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CORDENONS, Italy (AFP) –
Germany’s John Degenkolb celebrates on the podium after winning the 5th stage of 96th Giro d’Italia cycling race on May 8, 2013 in Matera. Degenkolb who sprinted to victory on stage five of the Giro d’Italia pulled out of the race during Monday’s rest day, his Argos team announced.
Germany’s John Degenkolb who sprinted to victory on stage five of the Giro d’Italia pulled out of the race during Monday’s rest day, his Argos team announced.
“Before the start, I said that I wanted to finish a race and in particular the Giro, but not at any price.
“I feel it will be difficult for me to recover,” said the 24-year-old who was lying in 129th position and 1hr 9min 4secs behind Italian race leader Vincenzo Nibali, when he dropped out.
“The first week of the Giro was very rigorous and we also had to deal with very difficult weather conditions. It has had an impact on my condition and I simply can’t adapt,” added the speedster who won five stages on last year’s Tour of Spain and claimed fourth spot at the world championships.
“I know that I am getting stronger every year and I must put my pride to one side and do what is best for my body. We decided as a team that I will go home, firstly to recover and then to work on our next objectives.”
Degenkolb is now hoping to be fit to take part in his first Tour de France, the 100th edition of the mythical race that runs from June 29 to July 21 and kicks off in Corsica.
