Davide Ballerini out of Quick-Step Milano-Sanremo team with illness after Alaphilippe

After Julian Alaphilippe's absence at Milano-Sanremo due to bronchitis, another of Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl's leaders will have to miss out on the classic with illness as Davide Ballerini will be replaced by Rémi Cavagna.

Ballerini was infected with Covid-19 earlier this year just before the Tour de la Provence - alongside Kasper Asgreen - and has since struggled to find the form that has seen him win Omloop Het Nieuwsblad last season. The Italian finished in 41st place last year whilst in support of Sam Bennett, and this year he was set to have a similar role with Fabio Jakobsen as he is yet to show his best form, although having finished seventh in a recent Tirreno-Adriatico sprint.

French champion Rémi Cavagna will be replacing him in the team. Cavagna recently returned to competition at Milano - Torino after a long recovery process after breaking a vertebrae in a pre-season camp where he helped Mark Cavendish to the race win. The rouleur presented himself strongly at the Italian race, and will be filling in the empty spot left by Ballerini.