Liquigas Cannondale sprinter Elia Viviani’s hopes of taking a track gold at the world championships in Melbourne came to an end today when the Italian was a non-starter in the Omnium competition on the second and final day of racing. His team has also conceded his Giro d’Italia participation is also looking uncertain due to a fracture on the right side of his pelvis.
The 23 year old crashed during yesterday’s points race, but remounted and won. Although he was in some pain, he went on to ride the elimination race, placing ninth. He receiving a warning from officials for what they said was dangerous riding.
Viviani was sitting fourth overall out of 24 riders prior to withdrawing.
He reportedly had problems walking and was sent to hospital for a scan. He turned up for racing today but with a hairline fracture being diagnosed, the team decided to play things safe.
Team coach Marco Villa explained the reason for the decision. “Right now it would be risky to let Elia race,” he said. “More important than striving for results, we should first of all consider protecting the safety of our athlete. I'm sorry both for Elia and his team Liquigas-Cannondale, who agrees with us on this plan and has always been completely supportive of Elia's work on the track.
“It's a shame because regardless of the fall and his unfair exclusion by the judges in the elimination race, Elia was still fourth in the general classification and she could have gone for the podium.”
He will now travel back to Italy where the Liquigas-Cannondale team doctor Roberto Corsetti will give him a complete examination. That will determine his treatment and when he will be able to return to racing.
“This is the last thing I needed,” the disappointed rider said. “I came to Australia in great shape but in these last few days nothing has gone according to plan. Yesterday, after the fall in the points' race I got onto the rollers and it was quite painful to sit on the saddle. But I gritted my teeth and tried to give it my all in the elimination race. I was unfairly disqualified when I was in front of the race with the best riders.”
Things got worse after that. “After the race it was difficult to even walk; I was hoping to recuperate during the night, but unfortunately, things didn't turn out that way. This morning when I woke up I realised that there was something seriously wrong and the x-rays revealed the fracture. I'm really sorry but I cannot continue the race in these conditions, it would be dangerous, there is the risk that the fracture could grow if I keep pedalling."
His Liquigas Cannondale team told VeloNation that his participation in the Giro is now uncertain. “After this fracture, it is difficult to see him there,” admitted spokesman Paolo Barbieri.
Whether or not he manages to start that race, Villa believes he should remain on course for London. “His Olympics' qualification shouldn't be at risk; obviously, there is no mathematical certainty until the end of the world championship, but the standings would have to completely flip to see Elia fall out of the top eight in the European rankings. Now he has to take it easy and concentrate on healing. He can look forward to the Olympics with the conviction that he can aim for an important medal.”
Viviani had shown strong form this year, winning two stages plus the overall in the Giro della Provincia di Reggio Calabria, as well as stages in the Tour de San Luis, the Gran Premio della Costa Etruschi and the Settimana Internazionale di Coppi e Bartali.