Mystery affliction puts Riccardo Riccò in hospital

It has been revealed that Vacansoleil rider Riccardo Riccò, currently preparing for his first full season of top-level racing following the end of his doping ban last year, was yesterday admitted to hospital in critical condition after being struck by a mystery illness while out training.

According to Italian press reports, the cyclist’s father has spoken of a “renal blockage,” however  a statement from the local health authority for Modena, where Riccò is now being treated in the S.Agostino-Estense hospital, did not mention a specific ailment, saying only: “His conditions, initially critical, are improving. The prognosis, to be prudent, remains reserved.”

Riccò’s father subsequently added that his son is now awake and talking normally, and according to the Gazzetta dello Sport described his son as suffering from a pulmonary embolism as well as kidney problems.

The same newspaper added that the hospital will provide a further update on Riccò’s condition tomorrow afternoon at 5pm Italian time.