24 hours ago, Team Sky had a great chance of finishing on the podium in the Paris-Nice and the Tirreno-Adriatico. Those hopes have all been dashed as illness has forced Richie Porte out of Tirreno while Geraint Thomas won't start the final stage of Paris-Nice due to yesterday's crash.

Richie Porte has been forced to abandon Tirreno-Adriatico ahead of stage five due to illness.

The Tasmanian had moved his way up to fourth overall in the Italian WorldTour race but became ill overnight and was unable to take the start in Amatrice.

Team Sky Doctor Alan Farrell confirmed: “Unfortunately due to illness which occurred overnight it’s been decided that Richie is too unwell to start the race this morning. We expect him to recover quickly and hope to have him back in training within the next 48 hours.”

Porte is still scheduled to start at the upcoming Volta a Catalunya alongside Chris Froome on March 24. Farrell added: “He’s really disappointed but recognises that this is the best course of action to prepare him for his upcoming races. He’s looking forward to the Tour of Catalunya next week.”

The news comes amid a tough 24 hours for Team Sky which saw Geraint Thomas crash heavily on the penultimate stage of Paris-Nice while lying second overall. The Welshman will not take the start of the final stage as he looks to recuperate ahead of Milan-San Remo.

You can read our preview of stage 5 here.