'Half the peloton is ill' – manure blamed as riders fall ill ahead of Giro d'Italia, creating drama for some teams

Several professional cyclists fell ill ahead of the Giro d'Italia, with manure from agricultural fields blamed as the likely cause. Three Lotto Intermarché riders were hospitalised after contracting the illness following a one-day race in Belgium. The outbreak reportedly affected a significant portion of the peloton, creating logistical and roster concerns for multiple teams in the lead-up to the race.