Van Huffel with back problems

Wim Van Huffel will start the Giro d'Italia Saturday, but isn't sure whether he will finish it or not. The Predictor-Lotto rider is having back problems.

He had the back scanned on Tuesday, and told Het Nieuwsblad, "I didn't understand all of it, but it could possibly the start of a hernia. I can put my shoes on only with difficulty, and had to stop training early."

Nevertheless, he has set off for Sardinia for the start of the Giro. "I hope that a couple of days rest will do me good. But if it gets worse, then I won't have any choice but to drop out."

Sue George is an editor at Cyclingnews. She coordinates all of the site's mountain bike race coverage and assists with the road, 'cross and track coverage.