Tom Pidcock will miss the Strade Bianche due to a stomach virus, his Ineos Grenadiers team announced Friday. World cyclocross champion Tom Pidcock had made the event in Tuscany his first goal of the road season.

"Unfortunately, Tom Pidcock will miss tomorrow's Strade Bianche due to a stomach virus he has been suffering from since earlier this week.

"The medical team has decided it would be best for him to return home to rest up for the next race.

Pidock finished fifth in his debut race at Strade Bianche a year ago and was one of the favorites to win this year's race along with Tadej Pogachar (UAE Team Emirates) and world champion Julian Alaphilippe (Quick Step Alfavinil).

Pidcock, who started his road season in the Volta Ao Algarve, attacked last weekend in Omloop Het Niesbrod with Wout Van Aert, but finished 18th in Ninove.

Pidcock's next event is Milan-San Remo. Pidcock will also compete in the Doire de Flenderen, Tour of Flanders, and Ardennes Classic before competing in the Giro d'Italia in May.