Team Emirates' Ulissi forced out of action by heart problem

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Italian Diego Ulissi is taking a break from cycling after being diagnosed with myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, UAE Team Emirates said on Monday.

“Diego underwent the normal health checks required by the UCI and the team. Subjectively he was fine and did not feel any disturbance, but the finding of an irregular heartbeat during a physical exertion, not previously present, gave us some doubt,” team doctor Michele De Grandi said in a statement.

“Even with a normal ultrasound appearance, two new tests (Holter ECG 24 hours, which highlighted further arrhythmias, and a cardiac MRI scan) have drawn a conclusion of myocarditis,” Myocarditis is an inflammation of the myocardial tissue, the heart muscle, usually of viral origin.

As a precaution Ulissi will undergo a period of absolute rest for a few months, during which he will carry out in-depth investigations to further clarify the clinical picture.

Ulissi, 31, has accumulated 38 career victories to date and experienced one of the strongest years of his career with five victories including two stage wins at the Girod’Italia.

“I cannot hide the feeling of worry and anger. I have never had any sign of it, I’ve always felt good; Fortunately, the team’s medical staff were quick to act and discovered this abnormality. I will take a break now which I hope will be temporary, bearing in mind that the priority is health, because life does not end with cycling,” said Ulissi.

“I have just finished what has perhaps been my best season ever, with a consistent run of high level performances from January to October which also earned me the Top Ten in the UCI individual ranking. I was already beginning my preparation for 2021 with the desire to build on last year's results.

“Now, however, I find myself facing this unexpected situation. I think my state of mind is understandable for everyone. A heartfelt thanks to all at UAE Team Emirates who are taking great care of me through this unfortunate time.” Meanwhile, UAE Team Emirates have secured the services of FabrizioGuidi for the 2021 season, who will join the sporting staff in the role of Sports Director.

Guidi, 48, has much experience in the role having spent time with teams such as Nippo, Saxo-Tinkoff and most recently at EF Pro Cycling.

Speaking on the announcement, Guidi is keen to link up with his new team: “It’s a team I have admired for a long time. I’m happy and proud to join a strong and ambitious team with a solid project for the future. It’s an important opportunity and I can’t wait to spend my energy on this exciting adventure.” Guidi is the second new Sports Director for 2021, with Fabio Baldato also assuming the role for the new cycling campaign.