Cycling News Flash for May 15, 2004

Cipollini out of Giro

Mario Cipollini did not take the start of stage 7 in the Giro d'Italia after another difficult night. The former world champion crashed heavily in stage 4 when teammate Andrus Aug drifted from his line during the final 300 metres, taking out Cipo's front wheel. While he managed to complete stage 5, riding largely on willpower and struggling to keep pace with the field. Cipollini has a large bruise on his right thigh and continuous pain in his right ankle.

"I tried to keep going on, but after discussing it with the team doctor we decided it would be best for my physical condition if I didn't start today," Cipollini commented Saturday morning.

His Domina Vacanze team has been unlucky in the sprints, with Cipollini falling in stage 4 and yesterday's crash involving Andrus Aug. Aug crashed heavily after touching wheels with another teammate, Andris Nauduzs, just after crossing the line in the stage 6 sprint. He suffered a broken collarbone, injured his left hand and cracked his pelvis. Aug remains under observation in the hospital, while Cipollini will return home today.

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