One of the top pre-race favourites for this May's Giro d'Italia, João Almeida , has confirmed that he will not, finally, be taking part, after illness severely impacted on his build-up for the event.

The news was first reported by Portuguese media then confirmed by the rider himself on his Instagram account on Monday morning.

"Unfortunately I won’t be at the start of the Giro d’Italia next month as planned," the 27-year-old racer posted.

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"Sickness in the past months has affected my preparations too much and has meant I just won’t quite be ready in time which is a shame as it’s a race I love so much.

Almeida had recently indicated he was being held back by something he couldn't quite pin down, suggesting he'd be undergoing blood tests following a subdued display at the Volta a Catalunya late last month.…