Madrid - Flu-victim Alberto Contador has pulled out of this weekend's Criterium International on the Mediterranean island of Corsica, a statement released on the Spanish rider's behalf announced on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old Saxo Bank cyclist, who came in third in last week's Tirreno-Adriatico, intends to rest before returning to action in the Tour of the Basque Country starting on April 1.
The statement confirmed: "Contador, in agreement with (Bjarne) Riis (his sporting director) has decided the best thing for him is to get over the flu in complete peace in order to resume training as soon as possible and reach form for his next big objective, the Tour of the Basque Country."