Bastianelli faces second operation

Italian Marta Bastianelli faced her second surgery in one week's time to correct injuries resulting from a crash last Sunday. Doctors performed a two-hour intervention on her jaw which she fractured while training on roads near her home in Velletri, Italy.

"The impact was truly violent and the jaw literally exploded. ... We have placed new joints in titanium and found the right position," said Surgeon Domenico Scopellitti to La Gazzetta dello Sport. "If there are neuromuscular problems resulting from the mechanics of chewing, they can be resolved with physiotherapy."

The 2007 World Champion, currently suspended for doping, was on a training ride this week with other cyclists from her hometown, near Rome, when she crashed and landed on her face. She received 10 stitches, and had a first surgery the day of the incident.

Scopellitti estimated she will be able to return to training in one month.

Italy's anti-doping tribunal banned Bastianell for 12 months last month as a consequence of her positive control for an appetite suppressant. She will be able to return to racing August 6, when her suspension ends. (GB)