According to Spanish media, Carlos Betancur’s participation in the Vuelta al Pais Vasco, starting next Monday, is under threat due to a boil on his left knee which effectively prevented the young Colombian from training since he has abandoned the Vuelta Catalunya last week.

Following his spectacular performances at Tour Haut Var and Paris-Nice, Betancur was regarded as one of the outsiders to excel on the mountainous parcours of Volta a Catalunya, but a fever caused by viral infection caused the AG2R La Mondiale leader to pull out of the competition ahead of event’s queen stage last Wednesday.

Reportedly, the 24-year old Colombian was expected to take a short break to undergo antibiotic treatment before returning to racing in Pais Vasco, however, it turns out that not an illness currently wreaking havoc in professional peloton but the boil on a left knee was the reason of his withdrawal from Catalunya, and his rest period had to be significantly prolonged.

“I am taking painkillers and antibiotics to heal a boil grown in my leg. Team doctor told me it needs to be dried, otherwise I will have to undergo a minor surgery,” Betancur told El Colombiano.

Despite the health problems, Betancur is determined to ride the Vuelta al Pais Vasco as an important part of his preparation towards his first big objectives of 2014 season: Ardennes classics.

“I don’t want to lose my rhythm and I’ll do everything to ride the Vuelta al Pais Vasco. I will make a final decision within four days, because I want to e strong for the Ardennes classics.”