Cycling

Injured Froome withdraws from Tirreno-Adriatico

ESPN staff

March 8, 2014

Chris Froome does not want to risk further injury before the start of his Tour de France title defence © Getty Images

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Chris Froome has confirmed he will miss the week-long Tirreno-Adriatico stage race with a back injury.

Froome took to his official Twitter account to announce the news, while Team Sky rider Richie Porte will replace the Brit when the race begins on March 12.

"This is just a minor setback for Chris and we hope he will get back to full training within a week," Team Sky performance manager Rob Ellingworth said. "He's obviously disappointed to miss Tirreno-Adriatico but we shouldn't take any chances at this stage of the season."

Slight inflammation in my lower back, so I'll be putting my feet up for a few days on doctors orders. No racing for me in Tirreno next week.
— Chris Froome (@chrisfroome) March 7, 2014

It's disappointing to miss out on a week of solid racing, but rather safe than sorry at this point of the season.
— Chris Froome (@chrisfroome) March 7, 2014

Porte switches from Team Sky's Paris-Nice squad, which is now headed by Geraint Thomas. The Paris-Nice race begins on March 9.

Froome landed a second successive Tour of Oman title in February to get his season off to a flying start. He will begin his Tour de France title defence in July.