HTC-Columbia captain Mark Cavendish has been forced to pull out of the Volta a Catalunya’s fifth stage with the flu. Three days ago the Manxman took his first victory of 2010 and looked to be back on track after a dental problem delayed his preparations. Now, after just 80 kilometers in the stage, Cavendish was forced to step off the bike and jump into the team car.
“I had been feeling sick for a few days,” he told Reuters. “Friday was even worse.”
Sports director Brian Holm was in favor of the move adding, “I told him he had to stop if he was feeling that ill. He was not happy, but it was the best decision.”
Now the team will have to wait and see how long it takes for Cavendish to recover from his latest health problem. HTC-Columbia has shown 100 percent support for their number one sprinter this year, to the point where it seems to have affected their relationship with their number two man, André Greipel.
After his non-selection for the Milan-Sanremo squad, Greipel was frank about the situation: “It was a slap in the face. My performances have not been so bad to deserve being left off the team. Cavendish currently has some problems. I’ve done some good races. When it comes to a sprint, you can count on me.”
The German has six wins so far this season to Cavendish’s one, and is looking for a spot alongside his teammate in the Tour de France this July. With his absence in La Primavera, his inclusion on the Tour team doesn’t seem a likely outcome.