Andy Schleck will not be able to take part in the third stage of this year's Paris-Nice race. According to a team spokesperson, the Team RadioShack-Nissan rider is suffering from acute gastroenteritis.

"Already yesterday before the stage, Andy (Schleck) didn't feel good," says sports director Alain Gallopin. "He was able to finish the stage but that cost him a lot of energy. This morning Andy felt better, but in the bus he got stomach problems and a high temperature again. That's why we decided not to let him take the start."

"I really wanted to try," Schleck told Roadcycling.com and added "But against sickness you cannot do a lot. I need to let my body recover from this. This is bad news, I wanted to perform well in Paris-Nice, but I better not jeopardize the rest of the season. My goals are situated later in the season."