<text>  Great Britains Chris Froome has been ruled out of the Tirreno-Adriatico stage race for health reasons. Still not feeling well so wont be making it to TirrenoAdriatico2015 Really disappointed but health comes first, the 2013 Tour de France winner posted on Twitter. He has been suffering from a chest infection. The seven day race, which begins on Wednesday in Italy, was highly anticipated as the top four Tour de France favourites - Froome, Spains Alberto Contador, Colombian Nairo Quintana and defending Tour de France champion Vincenzo Nibali of Italy - were scheduled to compete. Team Sky star Chris Froome right has been suffering from a chest infection . Froome right has been ruled out of this weeks seven-day race in Italy . Froome told the BBC: Ive been ill for a few days now and, unfortunately, I couldnt shake it off in time. Froome should, however, be fine to race in the Volta a Catalunya, which begins on 23 March. He added: After speaking with the doctors we decided as a precaution that it would be best to take a few days off the bike to recover fully. This is obviously frustrating after the good start that Ive had to the season, but its a minor setback. The 2013 Tour de France champion is targeting a return to racing in Catalonia later this month . 