Marcel Kittel will not ride Tour of California as struggles continue

German sprinter Marcel Kittel admits he is still short of condition after a long-running virus and will not race at the Tour of California

Marcel Kittel at the 2015 Tour Down Under

(Image credit: Watson)

Marcel Kittel’s disastrous start to the season is set to continue as the German sprinter was ruled out of the Tour of California, which starts on Sunday.

The Giant-Alpecin rider tried to return at the Tour de Yorkshire last weekend, but withdrew midway through stage one looking in noticeable discomfort.

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Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.