Mar 10, 2006
Everybody Hurts: Injuries Adding Up
(pic from Eurosport)
The season is in full swing and that means lots of riders getting hurt. The grip of cold weather, large packs of riders and some giant potholes have spelled trouble for many riders lately. Today Bettini crashed out of the lead at Tirreno Adriatico (Cyclocosm might think this is a blessing in disguise for Quick Step team manager Patrick Lefevere) while in the lead. Bettini crashed into a rider in front of him on an icy decent. Medical reports so far reveal that he has injured his left hand and right knee. Bettini may have to miss next week’s Milano San Remo.
Meanwhile, Stuart O’Grady crashed out of Tirreno Adriatico yesterday making it three in a row for CSC who are now looking a bit hobbled. First came Matti Breschel , then Christian Vande Velde, now Stuey. Bjarne Riis must be hoping that these things come in three.
Robbie McEwen is still suffering from affects of a crash in the Three Days of West Flanders.
“I don’t feel good on my bike, I can’t pull on the bike and, above all, I can’t breathe freely. When the rhythm gets faster towards the end of the stage I really have trouble staying in the game.
“Right from the first day, I lost more than two minutes to the leaders. But what do you want to do when, at full speed, you cannot breathe properly? I am not even sure that I can sprint on flat ground! That must be possible by biting hard, but to beat the best, there is still a lot left to do.”
Hmm, spring time, gravelly roads and cyclist yearning to be outside may be a bad mix for your local ride too, so be careful out there. Velochimp had a bad crash last year.
CSC News: Crash Spoils Breschel’s Spring Season
CSC News: Vande Velde Crashes Out
CSC News: Stuart O’Grady Goes Down
Eurosport: O’Grady and McEwen