Durbridge Crashes Out of Giro

WAIS cyclist Luke Durbridge has crashed out of the Giro d’Italia with a broken collarbone but is still considered to be in contention for this year’s Tour de France which starts six weeks on Saturday.

The talented rider suffered a fall on the 249km stage 11 course from Collechio to Savona and will undergo surgery to repair the broken bone in Italy tomorrow. Durbridge’s abandonment follows the withdrawal of fellow WAIS athlete Cameron Meyer who received injuries in a crash in the first week of the race.

GreenEDGE sporting director Matt White said the withdrawal was unfortunate for Durbridge in light of the up-coming time-trial in which Durbridge is a specialist but he suggested his Tour de France hopes were still very much in prospect.

“It’s obviously very disappointing for Durbo to break his collarbone the day before the time trial,” White said.

“If this happened in two weeks, he would lose his slot. That’s the positive we can take out of it. It’s six weeks Saturday until the Tour. A week off the bike after what he’s done here in the Giro isn’t going to do anything to his condition. He’ll have five weeks of preparation, and my money is on him being ready.”

Australian Cadel Evans continues to lead the race for his BMC Team holding a 59″ advantage over second place Rigoberto Uran. The 2014 Giro d”italia completes on June 1.