Top British cyclist Sir Bradley Wiggins has pulled out of the 2013 Giro d'Italia contest after falling ill with a chest infection.

The Olympian's performance has been suffering during the annual Italian cycle race, which started earlier this month (May13), and bosses of his professional racing team have decided it is best for him to withdraw.

Wiggins' coach Sir Dave Brailsford says, "His chest infection has been getting worse and our primary concern is always the health of our riders. Bradley will return to the U.K. today for treatment and to rest, and we hope to have him back on the road as soon as possible."

Wiggins is hoping to recover in time to defend his Tour de France title when the famous French bike race begins on 29 June (13).