Cycling: NZ's Henderson out of Paris-Nice classic

New Zealand's Greg Henderson. Photo / APN

A chest infection has forced New Zealand cyclist Greg Henderson to pull out of the Paris-Nice cycling classic today.

Henderson, who won the second stage of the race, withdrew before during the seventh and penultimate stage.

His Team Sky sports director Sean Yates said despite his withdrawal, Henderson could be pleased with his efforts.

"He hasn't been feeling at his best all week and the hills today were not his cup of tea. He contributed during those first 100km and then that was it. He didn't set out to quit, but the rest of the guys are all going well and he just couldn't contribute any more. He's had a great race, winning a stage, so he can be more than happy with that," Yates said on the Team Sky website.

Meanwhile, flu forced HTC-Highroad rider Hayden Roulston out of the Tirreno Adriatico yesterday. The Ashburton rider opted not to start the third stage of the seven stage classic.

- NZPA