Set to finish sixth overall on the Champs Elysees, Haimar Zubeldia has revealed that he had a heart issue earlier this year which could have brought his career to an end. The 35 year old RadioShack Nissan rider states that this year’s race has a greater significance for him as a result.
"Now that the Tour is almost over, I wanted to tell you about what has for me been a very important race this year,” the 35 year old Spaniard stated.
“For me it was important because three months ago I suffered a persistent atrial fibrillation, which the doctors said could have been the end of my career. I had four weeks of complete rest and treatment by a process.”
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular rhythm of the heart and, depending on the severity of the condition, can cause palpitations, chest pain, loss of consciousness and heart failure. Fortunately the issued didn’t persist for Zubeldia.
“Everything went well today and thanks to Dr. Bodegas, to whom I send a greeting, the unconditional support of my family, my friends and the team (which was aware of my situation at all times), I have returned to enjoy cycling like never before.”
Today marks the fourth time he finishes in the top ten of the race. He was fifth in 2003 and 2007, and also ninth in 2006. In addition to his sixth place this year, he is also part of the winning squad in the team classification.
Zubeldia had stated earlier this year that he had a muscular problem. He asked for understanding about that, saying that he preferred to keep things simple at the time.