Megan Armitage's bid to become the first Irish female rider to compete at the Tour de France Femmes has been cruelly denied two days out from the start of the race.
The Offaly native had been included as part of the seven-strong team put together by French outfit Arkea Pro Cycling, with the first stage taking place on Sunday, 23 July.
The 26-year-old however will not make the start line after a crash yesterday in training.
The team confirmed that Armitage suffered concussion and as a result of UCI protocol, has been ruled out of the Tour, with Canadian Clara Emond taking her place.
Bulletin médical 📄
— Arkéa Pro Cycling Team (@ArkeaProCycling) July 21, 2023
Megan Armitage a lourdement chuté hier après-midi à l'entraînement ce qui a entraîné une commotion cérébrale. En application du protocole UCI, Megan ne pourra prendre part au @letourfemmes (23-30 juillet).
Elle sera remplacée par Clara Emond.#TDFF2023 pic.twitter.com/noJHz6KAKe
Armitage is a specialist climber and recently competed in the Irish national elite women's road race last month, finishing third.
The second edition of the new version of Tour begins on Sunday in Clermont-Ferrand, the same day as the conclusion of the men's race in Paris.
The eight-day race will finish on 30 July in Pau.
