Australian cyclist Michael Matthews has been ruled out of the upcoming Tour de France after being diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism.
The condition was discovered during a Jayco AlUla altitude training camp, where team medical staff identified early signs of the issue. Following the diagnosis, the Canberran immediately ceased all physical activity and has been removed from the team’s Tour de France roster ahead of the event starting next month.
Jayco AlUla confirmed Matthews’s condition is currently stable.
“The medical team is conducting a thorough investigation to understand the severity and potential cause of the condition, and to outline a safe and effective recovery plan,” the team said in a statement.
“As a precaution, Matthews will not compete while assessments are ongoing, meaning he will not take part in this year’s Tour de France.”
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs, limiting blood flow—a condition that can be life-threatening if untreated.
Matthews, 34, would have been a key competitor for Jayco AlUla at the Tour. He has previously won four stages and claimed the green jersey in the points classification in 2017.
He notched his first victory of the 2024 season last month at the Eschborn-Frankfurt one-day race in Germany, becoming the first Australian to win the event in four decades.
Matthews also represented Australia at the Paris Olympics last year, competing in the road race.
