Could Giro be possible after all?
Ruled out of the track world championships due to a fracture to his pelvis, Italian road sprinter Elia Viviani has received some good news which could potentially see him take part in this year’s Giro d’Italia.
The Liquigas Cannondale rider underwent two medical examinations today with the team doctor Roberto Corsetti. What he found out is a relief to both Viviani and the team. “We have done a CT scan and a MRI of the pelvis, which has made it possible to establish the smallest fracture of the right ischiopubic ramus [part of the pelvis – ed.] together with a small subcutaneous hematoma. This result reassures us and enables us to be optimistic about the recovery time which, compared to original estimates, will be reduced.”
On Friday, the day that Viviani was forced to withdraw from the world championships, Liquigas Cannondale team spokesman Paolo Barbieri confirmed to VeloNation that the injury cast doubt on the rider’s chances of riding the Giro d’Italia. “ After this fracture, it is difficult to see him there,” he said.
With the race starting in 25 days, it appears that he might now have a fighting chance. He has been told that with the correct precautions, he will be able to return to full training in ten day’s time.
That would give him a further fifteen days to be ready for the GrandTour. His team is yet to confirm when he will resume competition.
The 23 year old has had a fine start to his third pro season. He took two stages plus the overall in the Giro della Provincia di Reggio Calabria, as well as stages in the Tour de San Luis, the Gran Premio della Costa Etruschi and the Settimana Internazionale di Coppi e Bartali.
He is regarded as one of the most promising young Italian sprinters.