Marchante out of Tour

By Antonio J. Salmerón

Ulcerative colitis, a form of the inflammatory bowel disease was diagnosed in Saunier Duval racer José Ángel Gómez Marchante Friday morning. The condition will sideline him from competition during the Tour de France.

The Spaniard has been experiencing health problems since he took part in the Vuelta al País Vasco. Recently, symptoms, which often include intermittent diarrhea mixed with blood, appeared during the final stages of the Tour de Suisse.

Marchante is undergoing medical treatment and further tests. In the meantime, he will be replaced by David Cañada for the Tour de France. Saunier Duval said it expects Gómez Marchante to be back to participate in the Vuelta a España.