Just over two months after he fractured the head of his right femur in a dramatic crash in the Tour de France, Alexandre Vinokourov returned to training on the road today.
According to his team, the Astana leader rode to Dolceacqua. It didn’t note the route he took but the Italian town is approximately 36 kilometres from Monaco, where Vinokourov lives.
The rider is trying to build condition prior to the Giro di Lombardia, which takes place in just over one month’s time. He had originally announced his retirement in July, saying that his career had reached an end because of his crash, but then three and a half weeks ago said that he would consider competing in the Italian Classic.
“"If everything goes well, I may compete in the Giro di Lombardia, which is the last race of the season and could be the last race to end my career,” he said.
“This would be also a last occasion for me to contribute to increase the UCI points of Pro Team Astana and for the Kazakh Federation, in anticipation of the selections for the Olympic Games.”
He has already done several weeks’ work on the indoor trainer. Today’s ride represents the next step in his return. His progress over the next few weeks will determine his racing programme.
Although Vinokourov has said that Lombardia would most likely be the last event, the rider has a contract for next season as well. Prior to his crash, he indicated that he might consider riding the Olympic Games in London.