Bradley Wiggins has been forced to skip the forthcoming Volta Ciclista a Catalunya due to a stomach infection.

The 29-year-old will sit out the Spanish stage race with his illness having kept him off the bike for the last couple of days.

His coaches and sports directors will now look to adjust his race programme with this year's big goal, the Tour de France, still very much at the forefront of their minds.

"Unfortunately, Bradley wasn't able to race in Spain this week, but we're going to assess the situation quickly and adjust his race programme so that nothing is jeopardised," explained Team Sky's team principal Dave Brailsford.

"He has already proven this year that he is well on his way form-wise so we'll be able to get him back into our race programme fairly easy.

"It's not uncommon that riders have to struggle with illness at this part of the season, but luckily Bradley has already been able to build up a lot form, so this won't be a setback."

It has been confirmed that Serge Pauwels will replace Wiggins in the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya.