Belgian cycling star Arnaud De Lie has revealed he has “never felt so bad” after battling through the opening stages of the Giro d’Italia while recovering from severe gastroenteritis.
The Lotto-Intermarché rider endured a brutal start to the Grand Tour after falling ill in the days leading up to the race, yet still managed to remain in the competition despite visible physical struggles.
De Lie, regarded as one of the Giro’s most exciting sprint contenders, admitted his condition worsened during the opening weekend as the effects of illness continued to drain his strength.
Mystery Illness Hits Multiple Riders
The health problems reportedly began after the Famenne Ardenne Classic in Belgium, where heavy rain and muddy roads are believed to have contributed to a widespread bacterial infection among riders.
Several cyclists from multiple teams reportedly became sick, with symptoms including stomach pain, fever, vomiting and diarrhoea. Cycling reports suggested that contaminated cow manure washed onto the roads may have triggered the outbreak.
Lotto-Intermarché was among the worst-affected teams, with De Lie and teammate Milan Menten both struggling physically ahead of the Giro. One rider was eventually replaced from the squad before the race even began.
“I Have Never Felt This Bad”
De Lie’s suffering became particularly visible during Stage 3 of the Giro d’Italia, where he was dropped on the climbs and needed assistance from teammates to reconnect with the peloton.
After the stage, the Belgian admitted the illness had pushed him to his physical limits.
Despite the difficulties, he still managed to finish the stage and continue his Giro campaign, showing the determination that has made him one of Belgium’s brightest cycling talents.
The 24-year-old had already faced a disrupted season after recovering from an ankle injury earlier this year, making the latest setback even more frustrating ahead of his Giro debut.
Giro Survival More Important Than Sprint Wins
Before the illness, De Lie had entered the Giro d’Italia as a potential stage winner after opening his 2026 season with victory at the Famenne Ardenne Classic.
However, the immediate focus has now shifted from chasing sprint victories to simply recovering and surviving the demanding three-week race.
Team doctors indicated that recovery from gastroenteritis takes a significant toll on the body, though they remain optimistic that affected riders could improve gradually as the race progresses.
The Giro’s early stages in Bulgaria have already proven physically demanding, with crashes, illness and difficult terrain testing the peloton before the race even reached Italy.
One of Cycling’s Most Promising Talents
De Lie has rapidly established himself as one of the most promising riders in professional cycling over the past few seasons.
Nicknamed “The Bull of Lescheret,” the Belgian has already secured major victories including the Renewi Tour, Bretagne Classic and Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec during his young career.
Many within the sport view him as a future Grand Tour stage-winning sprinter capable of becoming one of Belgium’s next cycling superstars.
His determination to continue racing despite severe illness has only strengthened admiration within the cycling world.
The Way Ahead
While Arnaud De Lie’s Giro d’Italia ambitions have taken a major hit due to illness, simply remaining in the race already represents a significant achievement given his physical condition.
The coming stages will now determine whether the Belgian can gradually recover and eventually challenge for sprint results, or whether survival and recovery become the primary goal during one of the toughest periods of his young career.
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