Stefan Küng was initially planned to play a big part for Groupama - FDJ in Italy at this time of the season although plans recently changed.
Now, in a post to his official Instagram account, the Swiss time-trial specialist has opened up on the heartbreaking reason behind his sudden withdrawal from racing. "Our family was supposed to grow. We were expecting a second child in August. Unfortunately we lost it last week," he reveals.
Understandably, following this, racing his bike was not top of the priority list for Kung. "We need some time as a family to get through this sad period," he continues. "That's why I skipped the races in Italy to be with my loved ones."
Kung finished his post by revealing where and when he will be back in the peloton however. "I'll be back in racing next week in Nokere and Denain," he concludes.