'I have never felt so bad' – Arnaud De Lie suffers but survives at Giro d'Italia after gastroenteritis

Belgian sprinter Arnaud De Lie of Lotto-Intermarché has endured a challenging start to the Giro d’Italia after being struck by gastroenteritis just days before the race began. Despite his recent victory at the Lotto Famenne Ardenne Classic, De Lie’s condition deteriorated during his flight to Bulgaria, where the race’s opening stages took place. Unable to contest sprint finishes, he struggled through the initial stages, including a crash on stage one and difficulties on the climbs during stages two and three, yet managed to complete each day’s race and continue with the peloton to Italy. The illness also affected De Lie’s teammate Milan Menten, who required hospital checks after fainting, leading to a delayed arrival at the Giro. The team’s medical staff suspect the gastroenteritis was linked to cow manure washed onto the roads during a rain-soaked Belgian race, which impacted several riders. In light of these health issues, Britain’s Josh Giddings was called up at short notice to replace Liam Slock, who was deemed too unwell to start the race. Despite these setbacks, Lotto-Intermarché remain hopeful that both De Lie and Menten will recover in time to make a significant impact in the later stages. De Lie described his condition as the worst he has ever experienced, emphasising the physical toll the illness has taken. His former teammate Victor Campenaerts showed solidarity during stage three by carrying De Lie’s bidon on a climb, a small gesture that provided crucial psychological support. Although De Lie lost contact with the peloton on the climb, he managed to rejoin and finish 47th, demonstrating resilience despite his compromised state. The team’s doctor, Gerald Ackerl, highlighted the importance of rest and recovery, noting that the riders are expected to improve as the race progresses. Looking ahead, Lotto-Intermarché are optimistic about their sprinters’ prospects, particularly with the sixth stage in Naples anticipated to conclude with a sprint finish. The team has taken measures to aid recovery, including housing De Lie and Menten together to support each other through their convalescence. While the immediate focus is on regaining strength, the riders’ determination to return to form underscores their commitment to competing at the highest level in the remaining stages of the Giro d’Italia.