Diagnosed with a tumour, Italian rider Daniele Colli is unable to go to the Geox-TMC training camp in Hoznayo, Cantabria, but has been reassured by the team’s management that his place on the squad is secure.
The 28 year old was tested for a growth in his knee and while he has learned that it is a tumour, he has been informed that it is benign. Following surgery, he is expected to make a full recovery.
Everyone is “very happy to know that the tumour he has is benign,” said general manger Mauro Gianetti. “We knew of his situation and were always at his side but, logically, it was obviously something personal that had to be made public by him.
“The most important thing now is that he gets over this calmly, because all people in the team will be waiting for him for all the time he needs.”
Colli turned professional in 2005 with the Liquigas team and after two years there, competed with the Panaria-Navigare, P-Nivo Kft.Betonexpressz – 2000 Corratec, CarmioOro – A Style and Ceramica Flaminia squads. The former Italian junior national champion has taken fine results such as second and third on stages of the Baby Giro, runner-up slots on stages of the Tour de Romandie, Tour de Suisse and Tour of Japan, and was fourth in this year’s Rund um Koln and Coppa Bernocchi races.
Colli’s training is certain to be set-back as a result of the issue, but being operated at this time of the year rather than the height of the racing season is advantageous. He will hope to recover as soon as possible and return to training.