Health problems in Turkey, easy ride in Romandie

Sometimes things are just not going the right way. Seems to be true about two Polish riders who have just left Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey - Michał Gołaś (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) and Karol Domagalski (Caja Rural). But this is sport, this is cycling, health problems happen.

Before going to Turkey, Gołaś was careful in declaring his goals. Polish national champion wasn't feeling very well but hoped to recover fast and look for an opportunity for himself - fight for a stage and perhaps repeat last year's performance, when he placed 8th in the general classification. Unfortunately his problems forced him to change plans, turning out to be a virus infection. Despite these discouraging circumstances, Gołaś did very well in stage 4, placing 5th, just behind such riders as Andre Greipel and Filippo Pozzato.

Having left the race, Michał is now concentrating on naxt races in May, where he hopes to be in top shape.

Domagalski also withdrew from the race. He was struggling with a pain in the knee, that turned out to be an inflammation of a tendon, caused by crashes during muddy and rainy Tro-Bro Leon. Karol is now taking some rest before leaving for Glava Tour of Norway.

Meanwhile in Switzerland, two other riders from Poland are showing some calm but strong riding, not losing time to the main contendes of the race. Both climbers - Sylwester Szmyd and Rafał Majka are eying stage four on Saturday, with Col de la Croix climbed twice in the final part of the day. After today's stage Rafał said that he's feeling well and has no problems following GC guys on the ascents. The real test will be on Saturday - young Polish rider may just want to see how his legs are responding and check them on the climb. And the Giro is coming.

Ah, those of you who follow me on Twitter know that already but I'd like to remind you - the biggest U-23 race in Central Europe - Carpathain Couriers Race starts in a few days - May 1. This year I'll be there - doing some live tweeting and some writing stuff. For all informations, photos and stuff follow @CarpathianRace or visit http://carpathianrace.eu/