Lotto Dstny's Maxim Van Gils withdraws from the Critérium du Dauphiné due to illness

In a big blow for the Lotto Dstny team, their leader, Maxim Van Gils has been forced to withdraw from the Critérium du Dauphiné due to an illness.

"Maxim Van Gils was not feeling well the last days. He tested several times negative on Covid-19 and wanted to start this morning in the 5th stage," said an official announcement by his team's official Twitter account. "Unfortunately he didn’t feel better & could no longer continue in the race due to a cold. He will rest now and focus on other goals."

Van Gils had top 5 finishes on each of the first two stages. With his abandonment, Lotto Dstny will now have realign their focus for the race.