Cycling: Crash dashes Armstrong plan return

Alasdair Fotheringham
Monday 23 March 2009 21:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Lance Armstrong's comeback suffered a major setback yesterday when the seven-times Tour de France winner crashed badly in Spain's Tour of Castille and Leon and quit with a broken collarbone.

Close to the finale of yesterday's flat first stage, he was in the middle of the fast-moving peloton when two riders clipped wheels and a dozen fell heavily. The American was taken to a hospital in Valladolid and race officials later confirmed that Armstrong had broken his right collarbone.

"I've never had this happen before; it's pretty painful. I feel really miserable," Armstrong told reporters. He said he would return to the United States for medical advice.

Armstrong's injury is his first big crash since 2003. Riders usually return to racing four to six weeks after this type of injury, a time span which could put his plans to compete in the Tour of Italy, which starts 9 May, in jeopardy. The Tour of Italy is a crucial part of Armstrong's build-up for the Tour de France in July after three and a half years away from racing.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in