Cyclist at centre of Giro 'selfie' storm withdraws due to illness

Marcel Kittel, the winner of successive stages in Belfast and Dublin, has today abandoned the Giro d’Italia before the resumption in Italy due to illness.

Kittel, who had his photo taken by Corkman David McCarthy while he lay prone moments after his winning finish on Sunday, did not start the 112-kilometre fourth stage from Giovinazzo to Bari in southern Italy following yesterday’s transfer day from Ireland due to a fever.

The 26-year-old Giant-Shimano rider from Germany told his team’s official website, teamgiantshimano.com: “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.

“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.”