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Italian Champion Giacomo Nizzolo together with his team Trek-Segafredo announce that persistent allergies have forced Nizzolo to abandon the 100th Giro d’Italia before the start of stage 11.
Giacomo Nizzolo, the winner of the points competition in the two previous editions of the Giro, had recently returned to competition after he missed the first part of the season to tendonitis, and he was hoping to ride into form in the third week.
"Since the start of the Giro, Giacomo has been suffering from attacks of allergic asthma," explained team physician Nino Daniele. "This has adversely affected his sporting performance. Several days ago we took the decision to conduct blood tests to exclude the presence of other illnesses.
"The results showed a state of organic fatigue that has led us to advise him to withdraw from the Giro d'Italia, a decision which we take reluctantly, but in the interests of the rider and the team. Giacomo's health is of paramount importance, and we consider it best for him and the team to allow him to start his recovery as soon as possible, and to turn his thoughts to the second part of the season."
Giacomo Nizzolo: "Of course I'm unhappy to have to leave the Giro. I can tell you it was definitely the hardest race I've ever done because of my illness; I was struggling every day. I tried my best to take the Italian champion's jersey around Italy. Every day I was there, suffering, to honor the jersey and the Giro.
"I did my best, believe me, but now it's time to go home and rest. I'm optimistic. I want to go home, recover, and focus on the second part of the season. That's why we've taken this decision. Physically and technically it is the right choice."
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