Löwik undergoes surgery, again

Dutch cyclist Gerben Löwik will be operated for the second time on Monday, February 13. The Rabobank rider has had problems with his saddle area for several months, which aggravated again during the Tour of Qatar. Originally scheduled to take part in the Ruta del Sol, it is hoped that the 28 year-old will be able to take up training again in ten days' time.

"All I want is to get back to my best level, to be able to go to races with the idea to win them," said Löwik, who has been struggling with bad luck since 2004, where a crash in Paris-Roubaix destroyed his spring season and his elbow. Last year, his season was also overshadowed by injuries on his knee and hip; and first saddle problems appeared during the Tour de France.

"It's the same wound, but in a different place," Löwik explained. "There's no other way than to operate and hope that it will heal quickly. I'm not asking for luck, but it would be nice not to be unlucky for a change."

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