Sonny Colbrelli has been ruled out of the second stage of Paris-Nice due to bronchitis. Colbrelli, who unexpectedly fell more than six minutes behind winner Christophe Laporte in the finale of stage 1, Mantes-la-Ville, was announced out of the race by his Bahrain Victorias team on Monday morning.

"Sonny Colbrelli has bronchitis and will not start the second stage," a social media post from Bahrain Victorias said.3]

"For his health and to prepare for the next step of the season, he has been working with the team medical staff. In agreement, it has been decided that he will receive the necessary rest and treatment at home."

The team's medical staff also reported that the Italian "will be in a position to provide him with the necessary rest and treatment.

The Italian had just started his season last week by winning the sprint for second place at Omloop Het Nieusbrod. The loss of valuable racing days in Paris-Nice will complicate his approach to Milan-San Remo on March 19 and the rest of his classic campaign.

A year ago, however, Colbrelli started the season on the opening weekend and did not run Paris-Nice or Tirreno-Adriatico until he finished eighth in Milan-San Remo.

Colbrelli was winless last spring, but after opening the season with the Tour de Romandie in late April, he had a remarkable 2021 season.

He won a total of eight road races, including the European Championships, the overall Benelux Tour, and Paris-Roubaix in October, which was postponed due to the pandemic.