Mikel Landa had a team that could rival any of the Giro’s GC contenders at the start of 2016. Three key components have all been removed for some reason or another and the team is certainly left looking weaker than the original version.

Benat Intxausti is suffering with mononucleosis and hasn’t raced since February. Sergio Henao is once more provisionally suspended while his biological passport is being investigated.  Leopold Konig has been taken away from racing due to recurring knee problems.

Cyclingnews asked Sky manager Dave Brailsford about the status of the three riders. He confirmed that Henao has lodged a response to WADA and will now wait for a verdict to be reached. Brailsford confirmed that there is still no return date for Intxausti, but he hopes to have Konig back for either the Dauphine or Tour de Suisse.

Landa is currently 15th overall at the Giro, 1:08 behind maglia rosa Tom Dumoulin. He still has a strong team with him, with climbers Boswell, Deignan, Sebastian Henao, Roche and Lopez present, plus sprinter Viviani and rouleur Knees.