Injuries and illness are forcing Israel to withdraw from the Tour of Flanders

The accumulation of injuries at the sicknessesincluding infection by Covid-19forced the Israel Premier tech to give up participation in the 106th edition of touring the flanders to be held next Sunday in between Antwerp and Oudenaarde with a route of 272 km.

The Israeli squad, which can only put three riders on the road in recent Through Flanders, announced their decision not to start with the second “monument” of the season.

“It was a very unfortunate situation and we were extremely disappointed to have to withdraw from the Tour of Flanders. This decision was not taken lightly, but we believe it was our only option at the time. this, ”said a statement from the team.

Israel Premier Tech will also not be able to join the Scheldt GP that will take place next Wednesday, April 6th.

“We have very few runners in good health who can start, and they are also cases of close contact with respect to the covid, so out of respect for the race and the rest of the peloton we are making this decision. . ” , explains the formation.

Israel regrets not being able to play their tricks in Flanders with Sep Vanmarcke, who will perform in his “Ronde” number 13.

“We cannot voluntarily send riders who have been exposed to Covid to a race. By withdrawing, we are also allowing our cobbled classic riders to recover. No one is more disappointed than us, this decision will save us the rest of the race. “spring and get us back on track,” the note added.

Illnesses and injuries reduce participation in Flanders, as the loss of double world champion, Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe, could be accompanied by Belgian Wout Van Aert, who has been placed in “serious doubt” by Jumbo Visma.

Of these defeats, the favorites to be crowned on the Tour of Flanders included Slovenian Tadej Pogacar and Dutch Mathieu Van der Poel.