Team Columbia’s Kim Kirchen pulled out of the Vuelta a Espana before the start of the sixth stage. According to team director Brian Holm, the Luxembourger had an upset stomach during the night and did not have the the strength to continue the Spanish race.
Holm told Eurosport, “He saw no point in continuing in the race. Because of his stomach problems, he had not been able to sleep during the night.”
After he recovers, Kirchen will continue his build up for the World Championships in Mendrisio, Switzerland late this month from home.