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."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Laura Weislo is a Cyclingnews veteran of 20 years. Having joined in 2006, Laura extensively covered the Operacion Puerto doping scandal, the years-long conflict between the UCI and the Tour de France organisers ASO over the creation of the WorldTour, and the downfall of Lance Armstrong and his lifetime ban for doping. As Managing Editor, Laura coordinates coverage for North American events and global news.
