Alejandre Valverde has had the setback of losing an important team-mate in the Vuelta a España, with José Joaquín Rojas being forced to withdraw from the event.
The 2011 Spanish national champion hit the desk two kilometres from yesterday’s finish in Ferrol, spilling onto the ground when the bunch wa moving at 60 kilometres per hour.
It resulted in a bad blow to his arm and – more seriously - a muscular strain in the vasts internus of his right leg. He was advised to withdraw as a result of that.
“Rojas must take now complete rest after a season overshadowed by misfortune,” said his Movistar team in a statement, “the Spanish sprinter also withdrawing from the Tour de France with a triple collarbone fracture at the fourth day of racing.”
The team is consequently down to eight riders. Its leader Alekandro Valverde is currently fourth overall in the race, one minute 20 seconds back. This weekend sees the riders tackle major mountains. The 2009 winner’s chances of a podium place will depend in part on how those stages go.
He'll hope that his seven remaining team-mates can give him sufficient support when needed.