GP Camaiore winner Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) (Image credit: sirott)
Liquigas racer Vincenzo Nibali has officially closed his 2009 season. Following an incident which occurred during the Eneco Tour, in which he sustained a fracture of his left collarbone, Nibali decided, in agreement with his team management and doctors, not to force the pace of his recovery and return to racing.
"With regret, I must say goodbye to the last two goals of the season: the worlds in Mendrisio and the Giro di Lombardia," said the 24-year-old Nibali. "It's a shame, because I was in very good condition. Given the risks with a hastened recovery, however, I prefer to be at rest for now and look forward."
"I had a good season and my thoughts are already on next season."
Nibali won both the Giro dell'Appennino and the Gran Premio Città di Camaiore this year. He was 10th overall at the Tirreno-Adriatico and sixth overall at the Tour of California. He was second in the best young rider classification at the Tour de France.
Nibali's manager was pleased with his rider's season. "Vincent is a rider of undoubted talent who has made a quantum leap this year. In recent years, we invested in his growth - in the way a young man needs. Now Nibali has shown he can compete with the best in the world. I am sure that next season will give us new rewards and allowing recovery is the first and fundamental step to make that happen."
Nibali's doctor, Roberto Corsetti, predicts a full recovery in plenty of time for next season.
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Sue George is an editor at Cyclingnews. She coordinates all of the site's mountain bike race coverage and assists with the road, 'cross and track coverage.
