Michael Matthews is taking a forced break from his cycling career. The 34-year-old Australian is experiencing signs of a pulmonary embolism and will therefore be unable to participate in the Tour de France.
The medical staff of his team Jayco AlUla discovered the signs during an altitude training camp. “Subsequently, we have decided to suspend all physical activities of the cyclist until further notice,” Matthews’ team announced on X on Friday.
“Matthews’ health condition is stable,” Jayco AlUla continued. “The medical team is now thoroughly investigating the extent and possible cause of the problem.”
Due to the physical discomfort, Matthews will not be able to participate in the Tour de France, which starts on July 5. Matthews is known as a mass sprinter and classics specialist, and has achieved four stage victories in the French stage race in the past.
Matthews has started in the Tour de France eight times in his career. In 2017, he was allowed to take the points jersey home.
This season, Matthews won the German WorldTour classic Eschborn-Frankfurt. In the cycling classics Milan-San Remo (fourth) and the Amstel Gold Race (fifth), he finished just off the podium.