Giro d'Italia riders battle illness and brutal weather in 2024 race
Illness and harsh weather have hit riders hard at this year’s Giro d’Italia. Teams are taking precautions, with masks reappearing on buses and top cyclists like Jonas Vingegaard wearing protection during transfers. Cold, rain, and stomach bugs have already forced some competitors out of the race. Problems began before the race even started. Lotto-Dstny had to replace half their original squad due to illness. Once racing got underway, Florian Stork fell ill after Stage 2 and has struggled to keep up, mostly riding in the gruppetto since.
Stage 5 brought freezing rain, leaving Igor Arrieta and Afonso Eulalio suffering from cold and exhaustion. By Stage 9, Giulio Pellizzari was struck by illness, vomiting at the finish and losing valuable time. Though he felt slightly better after the rest day, his power output remained about 25 watts lower than usual. The peloton is now split into three groups: riders simply trying to finish, those battling to stay with the leaders, and a few still attacking for victory. Even favourites like Vingegaard are taking extra care, wearing masks in transfers and requesting better ventilation during interviews. Two Lotto riders who did start the race have already abandoned due to illness.
Colds and stomach bugs continue to disrupt the Giro d’Italia. Teams are adjusting strategies as riders recover or drop out. With weather and illness still playing a role, the race remains unpredictable for those still competing.
