Australian Robbie McEwen will not take part in the Giro d'Italia, the rider announced Sunday. McEwen is still recovering from injuries sustained in a crash at last month's Scheldeprijs, and has decided to take a break and prepare for the Tour de France instead.
The Katusha rider will now likely take part in the Tour de Picardie, Tour of Belgium and Tour de Suisse before the Tour de France.
"I'm disappointed to be missing the Giro but I will take the opportunity to ride more with Gert Steegmans and Kenny Dehaes and later this month and work on our sprint leadouts. I tried very hard to stay in shape and get to the Giro in form but my crash in the Scheldeprijs made it very difficult. My form in Romandie wasn't encouraging, so maybe this is the best solution."
McEwen is one of several sprinters who will skip the Italian Grand Tour this year. Daniele Bennati, last year's winner of the points classification, is injured. Oscar Freire will also skip the Giro in favour of the Tour de France.
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