Bettini hospitalized after Six Day fall

Paolo Bettini is secured on a stretcher

Paolo Bettini is secured on a stretcher (Image credit: Bettini Photo)

Paolo Bettini was taken to hospital after falling and hitting his head while contesting the Six Days of Milan in Italy on Tuesday. Doctors at the Sacco hospital cleared the Italian of any serious injuries and he has since been discharged.

The 34 year-old came down after Ukranian Yaroslav Popovych fell in front of him. The two times UCI World Road Champion hit his head on a protective barrier which broke his helmet, according to local media reports.

The race is the 2004 Olympic Games gold medallist's final race after announcing his retirement earlier this year. Bettini's Quick Step road squad decided not to renew the rider's contract, instead signing several big-name riders to replace the star.

Bettini will decide today whether he will continue to ride at the Six Days of Milan.

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