Giro d'Italia 2023: Remco Evenepoel 'was sick as a dog' - Patrick Lefevere defends withdrawal of star rider

Patrick Lefevere, the team manager of Soudal-QuickStep, and the team doctor, Toon Cruyt, have defended the decision to withdraw Remco Evenepoel from the Giro d'Italia after he tested positive for Covid-19. Confirming that Evenepoel is still positive after undergoing further testing in Belgium, Lefevere acknowledged that the young cyclist is feeling better. Ad Evenepoel is expected to take a 10-day break from cycling and will then undergo cardiological tests.

Giro d'ItaliaHow to watch Stage 11 as Cavendish hunts victory5 HOURS AGO The team has faced criticism for withdrawing Evenepoel from the Giro d'Italia. Lefevere, however, remained unapologetic and addressed the situation head on. «He was sick as a dog and you could see that, you didn't need to be a doctor to see that,» he told Cyclingnews.

Lefevere also dismissed the notion that Evenepoel intentionally went home, saying: «He was positive and then people said he went home on purpose? If I go to my lawyer, I think whoever said that would have a problem. It's libellous.» He also highlighted Evenepoel's determination and resilience, pointing out that, despite his illness, he won the time trial: «We came to the Giro to win. You could see that Remco was sick even the day before the time trial.

»He looked tired, but he still won the time trial. He deserves some respect for that." Evenepoel withdrawal 'a huge blow' – Lloyd Evenepoel 'should not go to the Tour' despite Giro exit, claims Gilbert He also addressed suggestions that the team should have informed the race organiser, RCS Sport, and expressed gratitude to them for allowing Evenepoel to participate. «They have a point; we should have called them as a team,» he said.