After some tough days on the bike and demanding stages in the legs, Harm Vanhoucke has abandoned the Giro d’Italia due to gastric complaints and ongoing fatigue. Harm was an important part of Team DSM’s successful first week and helped to defend Andreas Leknessund’s pink jersey for five days, but after 12 hard days of demanding weather conditions and hard racing, his race has today come to an end.
Vanhoucke said: “I am disappointed that I couldn’t continue with the team towards Rome. I haven’t been feeling 100% and tried to pull through and come into shape, but it’s been a crazy week here and that has taken a lot from me. I wish the team the best of luck for the rest of the race.”
Matt Winston added: “It’s a real shame to lose Harm in the race. We had high hopes and ambitions with him; and we really believed a lot was possible for him here in Italy. After a great opening week in pink we’ll continue on our quest for some good results with the riders we have left in the race.”
Team DSM doctor Anko Boelens continued: “Harm has been suffering with some gastric complaints and ongoing fatigue that have made for a difficult week on the bike for him. Today proved too much and he stepped off the bike, with some rest we expect him to be back in action soon.”
