Defending Giro champ Hesjedal quits race

ROME (AFP) –

Ryder Hesjedal at the team presentation for the Giro d’Italia on Piazza Plebiscito in Naples on May 3. Defending Giro d’Italia champion Ryder Hesjedal has pulled out of the three-week race due to worsening healths, according to his team Garmin.

Defending Giro d’Italia champion Ryder Hesjedal has pulled out of the three-week race due to worsening health, according to his team Garmin.

Hesjedal becomes the second overall victory contender to retire following the withdrawal, due to illness, of Britain’s Tour de France champion Bradley Wiggins on Friday.

Hesjedal took many by surprise by winning last year’s ‘maglia rosa’ (pink jersey) for the overall race winner to become the first Canadian to win a major Tour.

And despite coming into this year’s 96th edition in top form, Hesjedal has struggled to keep pace with the front of the peloton since the stage eight time trial.

Despite having a rest day at the start of this week, Hesjedal’s form did not improve. On stage 10 he struggled on the first climb of the day, and then struggled to finish the stage.

“The conditions on yesterday’s (Thursday) rainy, cold stage combined with Hesjedal’s deteriorating physical condition proved too much and the defending champion will not take today’s (Friday) start.” said Garmin.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said Hesjedal. “I built my entire season around the Giro and I came here feeling great, but I have been suffering since the TT (time trial).

“We’re working on it, but we’re not sure what’s wrong. There’s a virus that’s been going around, so it could be that, or severe allergies, or going too deep on the TT combined with both – whatever it is, I’m only getting worse.

“Yesterday’s stage was just too much for me, I fought to get through it and I know everyone suffered but after seeing the medical staff last night, I also know that its time for me to go home, get some tests done and get healthy again.

“I have tried my best to honor the number one bib number, the race, my team and fans and its devastating to leave this way. Going home now is heartbreaking.”

Team doctor, Shannon Sovndal, added: “the athlete’s health is our priority. We’ve been trying to uncover what’s going on with Ryder.

“He came into the race in stellar form, ready to defend his title, and clearly he’s been suffering since the TT.

“His condition is not improving so we decided it’s time for him to go home, get testing done, and focus on getting healthy again.”