World Champion Alessandro Ballan has pulled out of Tirreno-Adriatico, and will not take part in the 5th stage time-trial from Loreto to Macerata. Instead, he will go for an easy training session in the morning and head home.
His decision to abandon the race was made by Ballan with the support of the Lampre-NGC’s management. Ballan has been battling a virus since last weekend, and did not want to risk his preperation for Paris-Robaix and the Tour of Flanders, a race he won two years ago.
“During the race I was tired and could not rest properly,” Ballan explained. “I prefer to train in a quiet way and to have the necessary rest time. It would have been great to realize good performances in Tirreno-Adriatico and I’m sorry to quit the race, but I think it’s the best solution in view of Milano-Sanremo and the Northern Classics.”