Chris Froome has been forced to withdraw from Liege-Bastogne-Liege on the morning of the race due to illness.

The Tour de France winner travelled to Liege ahead of the centenary edition of the Ardennes Monument but faced with a mild chest infection, the decision was taken for the 28-year-old not to ride as a precautionary measure.

Team Sky’s Doctor Richard Freeman confirmed: “Unfortunately Chris has been suffering from a mild chest infection. After an examination this morning we concluded that the best course of action would be to withdraw him from Liege-Bastogne-Liege as a precautionary measure, which will allow him the best chance of recovery ahead of the Tour de Romandie.”

Pete Kennaugh was also unable to start the race due to an unrelated illness, while Vasil Kiryienka has also been forced out of the upcoming WorldTour race in Romandie, starting on Tuesday.

Dr Freeman continued: “Pete and Vasil have also been struggling with unrelated illnesses. We have withdrawn Pete from Liege to give him time to recuperate ahead of the Giro d’Italia, and Vasil also needs time to recover before attending the Tour de France training camp in Tenerife next month.”

Chris Sutton will now come into the Team Sky squad at the Tour de Romandie to replace Kiryienka.

Betancur sick

Carlos Betancur's run of bad luck has also continued as he didn't take the start either. The Colombian was at the start but didn't feel well and his team decided that it was best to stay in the bus to recover for the Tour de Romandie which starts on Tuesday.

"Carlos was already slightly sick yesterday but he still came to the start this morning," sports director Julien Jurdie told letour.fr. "He was in the bus and took part in the briefing. But we then decided he shouldn't start. He's feverish and has a sore throat, has a headache".