Bennati out of Tour

Injury-stricken Daniele Bennati is out of luck this year. After having his Spring season destroyed by a persisting knee problem, the Liquigas sprinter is now reported not being able to contest the Tour de France, where he won two stages last year.

Bennati suffers from an inflammation of the left Achilles tendon. He started to feel the pain during the Mortirolo stage at the Giro d'Italia, where he nevertheless won three stages as well as the best sprinter's jersey.

"I’m really sad to miss the race," commented the rider. "Unfortunately, the strain of the Giro has caused my left leg to suffer, which is the one that had slightly less training because I injured it at the start of the year. I've spoken with the team and we all agree that it’s better to rest now and not risk the end of the season."

Press agent for Liquigas, Paolo Barbieri, confirmed to Cyclingnews, "Given the problems that he has we hope that he can be back in form for the season finale. It is very sad, we had high hopes after the Giro [wins] and this Tour would have given him a lot opportunities. We will see him again in September."

'Benna' wanted to add the Green Jersey to his Maglia Ciclamino this year. Still, team manager Roberto Amadio assured his confidence in the rider. "I'm sure that he will come back successfully at the Vuelta," he said.