Pello Bilbao forced to abandon Itzulia Basque Country ahead of stage 2

We knew that he was not in the best conditions and the worst predictions have been confirmed: Pello Bilbao has abandoned the Itzulia Basque Country due to a respiratory problem after the first stage.

The Basque rider was one of the great favorites to take the final victory in the race of his homeland thanks to the route of the race, without big mountain passes and without time trial, but with a lot of hilly and technical which was perfectly adapted to his characteristics.

Pello's big goal this year is the Tour de France, as it leaves Bilbao, so now he has to recover without haste to face the races before the Grand Boucle with guarantees. It was his team, Bahrain Victorious, that announced his premature retirement:

"Due to a respiratory infection, our leader Pello Bilbao is forced to abandon @ehitzulia , and will not be at the start of stage 2 tomorrow." The team follows with Mikel Landa in the lead, seeking equally high results.