Astana super domestique Chris Horner did not start today’s 11th stage of the Giro d’Italia. The American crashed in yesterday’s stage, where he eventually finished just 1:39 behind winner Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes – Farense Vini).
This is a big blow to the team as the rider had already proven he had the form to help out team leader Levi Leipheimer in the mountains.
Team spokesman Philippe Maertens said that Horner will fly back to the USA to recover from his injury. Now the Astana team will need for the rest of the team, including seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, to step up to the plate if they intend to take home the win.