Published March 22, 2014 01:28PM
Ailing Simon Gerrans pulls out of Milano-Sanremo
Gerrans, the 2012 champ, has been battling allergies and fell ill overnight, according to his team
Simon Gerrans won the 2012 edition of Milano-Sanremo by out-kicking Fabian Cancellara at the finish line. Photo: Graham Watson | <a id="www.grahamwatson.com" href="http://grahamwatson.com">www.grahamwatson.com</a>
Simon Gerrans (Orica-GreenEdge) has pulled out of Milano-Sanremo due to illness, the team announced on Saturday.
The 2012 Milano-Sanremo champion has been battling allergies for the last few weeks and fell ill overnight, the team announced on its website.
“Simon came down sick overnight,” said team director Matt White. “The decision was taken today that he would not start. He’s not in any state to race any race, let alone our longest and one of our most difficult races of the year in 24 hours.”
Brett Lancaster will replace Gerrans in La Primavera, and the team will look to Michael Matthews and Simon Clarke in the final.
“Not too much will change in terms of our plans for tomorrow,” said White. “Michael will stay our option for the sprint but now Simon Clarke will be given more freedom in the final.”