Sylvain Chavanel out of Milan-San Remo because of bronchitis
Sylvain Chavanel of Team Quick step has withdrawn from the Milan-San Remo because of health constraints.
The cyclist was looking forward to the event and was optimistic to grab his first win of the season.
He claimed the 8th overall position at the Paris-Nice and will now rest until he recovers from bronchitis.
Chavanel had already started training for the Italian race and was keen to represent Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step at the contest.
He briefed on the team’s official website, "This morning (Thursday) I set off on my bike for the long workout for San Remo".
He added, "After a few hours of working out, though, I started coughing and having the same respiratory problems I was having during the Paris-Nice".
"In agreement with the team's medical staff, we decided to not take any risks in view of the Northern Classics, and to observe a few more days of rest," he concluded.
He started his professional journey with Team Bonjour in 2000 and spent a period of five years with the side.
Sylvain accepted an offer from Team Cofidis in 2005 and joined the Belgian side Team Quick step in 2009.
He is considered as a best breakaway specialist and holds three stages of the Tour de France, two stages of the Paris-Nice and an overall victory at the Tour of Belgium 2004 in his bag.
The 32-year-old will be replaced by Matteo Trentin for the 2012 version of the Milan-San Remo. Matteo will make his debut at the Italian race.
He voiced, "I'm really sorry for Sylvain and I hope he gets better soon, for me, to ride San Remo is a dream come true".
Milan-San Remo is the fourth biggest race of the season and is scheduled on March 17, 2012. It is considered as one of the longest one-day race started back in 1907.
Cyclists go through an exhausting distance of 298 kilometres and the winner is awarded with a hundred UCI points. The second and the third place holders are awarded with 80 and 70 points, respectively.
Lucien Petit-Breton succeeded during the first edition of the race while Matthew Goss of Australian claimed the most recent version of the Milan-San Remo 2012.
Eddy Merckx holds the honour of winning the race for a maximum number of seven times.
Tags: