Longo Borghini ruled out of Milan-San Remo Donne due to illness

In the latest blow to the potential drama awaiting the cycling world this weekend, Elisa Longo Borghini has been ruled out of Milan-San Remo due to illness.

The Italian national champion was expected to lead UAE Team ADQ on Saturday, one of the on-form riders hoping to ruin La Primavera for the sprinters after last year coming so close to a triumphant solo victory in the revived women's event, until Lorena Wiebes took the win in a reduced sprint.

Alena Amialiusik has been called up in Longo Borghini's place, the sixth rider in a team that will now throw its weight behind Italian fast finisher Silvia Persico and seasoned attacker Maví García, with Eleanora Gasparrini, Brodie Chapman and Strade Bianche revelation Dominika Włodarczyk in support.

How do you beat Lorena Wiebes at Milan-San Remo?The Dutch champion is the #1 favourite, but last year’s race provides a blueprint for how she can be defeated.Escape CollectiveMatt de Neef