Tirreno-Adriatico crash proves costly for Australian
The 2010 world under 23 champion Michael Matthews has been confirmed as missing what would have been his second Milan-Sanremo. The Rabobank rider crashed hard on last Thursday’s stage of Tirreno-Adriatico and while he wanted to continue the following day, was unable to do so.
“He was ready in his kit, but started to get dizzy,” team spokesman Luuc Eisenga told VeloNation then. “As health is the most important thing, we decided that we wouldn’t take any risks.
“We sent him with the team doctor to the next hotel. We’ll assess the situation, but for the moment we can’t say when Michael returns to competition.”
The possibility that he would be forced to miss the Sanremo Classic has now become a certainty, with Eisenga confirming today that he would indeed be absent due to the after-effects of the crash. Instead, Tom Leezer will take his place.
Matthews is one of the most promising young Australian riders, as evidence by his victory in the world under 23 championships a year and a half ago.
Last year he clocked up several good results in his debut season. These included three victories, namely stage wins in the Santos Tour Down Under and the Volta a Murcia plus the Rund um Köln.
The 21 year old had a solid start to this season, finishing ninth overall in the Santos Tour Down Under and winning the Clasica de Almeria.
It is not yet known when he will return to competition.