Former champ Nibali injured, out
Italian racer fractures back in collision during 12th stage
L’alpe D’huez ( France), July 20: Former champion Vincenzo Nibali was forced out of the Tour de France after fracturing his back in a collision during a drama- packed 12th stage to the summit of Alpe d’Huez, his Bahrain team doctor confirmed.
Nibali, who claimed his sole yellow jersey in 2014, was transported to hospital with a suspected vertebra fracture after coming down hard around 4km from the summit of the legendary Tour climb.
Early reports, later backed up by Nibali, claimed he had collided with a police motorcycle.
However, a video which emerged hours after the stage finish, shown on the website gazzetta. It, suggested a bag strap, flag or arm got in Nibali’s way as he negotiated his way, shrouded in yellow smoke from rocket flares being set off, through a throng of hyper- excited fans.
Bahrain confirmed he had fractured the “tenth vertebra in his back” and would not start Friday’s 13th stage from Bourg d’Oisans to Valence because of “difficulty breathing”.
Nibali later confirmed his departure in a message to fans on Twitter. “Hi guys, I’ve returned to the hotel but unfortunately the outcome of the medical report isn’t good,” he said. “They confirmed I’ve fractured one of the vertebrae, so tomorrow ( Friday) I head home to begin my recovery.
“Thanks for all the affection you’ve shown me. See you soon!”
Despite being helped back on his bike, and valiantly finishing only 13secs behind stage winner Geraint Thomas of Team Sky, the crash ended Nibali’s bid to stay in contention on the race, which he leaves after climbing to fourth overall at 2: 37 behind the British race leader.
Before hospital being taken to in Grenoble, the Italian appeared to blame a police motorbike.
Meanwhile, Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme has demanded fans show more respect a day after Team Sky were booed off the podium and Nibali crashed out.
He hinted there could be measures to stop fans running behind riders during the spectacular mountain stages that attract thousands to the roadside.
“They have only one wish, to be on television and take a selfie,” Prudhomme said.
“We have no wish to see that again,” he added.