Germany's Marcel Kittel, winner of two of the first three stages of the Giro d'Italia, has withdrawn before the start of the fourth stage because of a fever.
"I am very disappointed about leaving the Giro after such a strong start in good condition, but I do not feel healthy and I am not in the position to start the race in this condition," Kittel, who rides for the Giant-Shimano team, said on Tuesday.
"I want to thank my team for their support these past few days and wish them the best of luck for the rest of the race."
Team Giant-Shimano coach Marc Reef added: "We made the decision here before the start of the fourth stage that Marcel would not continue the race.
"Two days ago, after the third stage he already indicated that he did not feel 100 per cent. Yesterday morning he said that he felt better, but this morning at breakfast he had the same complaints and after a few check-ups with our team physician we saw that the fever had deteriorated and so we made the decision together that he should not continue."
Tuesday's stage sees riders tackle a 112km course between Giovinazzo and Bari.
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