Chris Horner won't be at the start 4th stage of Volta a Catalunya after American rider decided to withdraw from competition to avoid worsening the injury sustained in the Tirreno-Adriatico earlier this month.

Considering the evaluation of the medical staff and the technical staff from Team Lampre-Merida about the situation of the tendinitis at left Achilles tendon, the American cyclist decided to quit the Spanish race.

In the 3rd stage, Horner had good feeling for what concerns the competitiveness, but he also felt that the problems concerning the tendinitis are persisting.

“The withdrawal will allow Chris Horner to plan a proper program of recovery and trainings with Giro d'Italia as main target: he'll also perform some reconnaissance on the courses of the main stages,” Team Lampre-Merida informed in official press release.

It is yet to be announced whether the ongoing injury will affect Horner’s race schedule. The Vuelta a Espana champion was expected to participate in the Vuelta al Pais Vasco before lining up as the Lampre-Merida leader in the Giro d’Italia.