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Arnaud De Lie's participation in the Giro d'Italia faces uncertainty as a suspected cow manure infection sweeps through his Lotto-Intermarché team. This health scare has affected multiple riders, raising concerns about contamination in the peloton.
After winning the Famenne Ardennes Classic, De Lie fell ill, missing the team presentation in Burgas. Only five of his teammates were present, while others, like Milan Menten, experienced travel delays due to gastrointestinal issues. The illness stems from cow dung that contaminated the racing route during the rain-soaked classic, leading to a campylobacter infection among riders who ingested it. Symptoms typically surface two to five days after exposure, causing severe discomfort.
Reports indicate that riders from other teams, such as Flanders-Baloise and Van Rysel-Roubaix, are also affected. As one team noted, "Half the peloton has fallen ill." De Lie, a favorite for the sprint finish in Burgas on Friday, remains at the hotel as he continues to recuperate. The situation highlights the unforeseen challenges that can derail even the most promising athletes during critical competitions.
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