Devolder out of Vuelta, questionable for Worlds

A Belgian rider crashed in the Vuelta a España, injuring his knee enough to cause him to drop out of the race and endanger his start in the Worlds next week. Tom Boonen? Yes, but also Stijn Devolder. After finishing nearly half an hour down Thursday, the former golden-jersey wearer called it quits and did not start on Friday.

"The knee still hurts too much," the Discovery Channel rider told Sportwereld.be. "I just got back from the doctor, who says it might be inflamed. If that is the case, then my participation in the Worlds is in danger, and I would rather give my spot to a rider who is 100 percent fit. I will call national coach Bomans as soon as possible."