Australian can resume training in three weeks

David TannerThe solid start to the season by new Saxo Bank signing, David Tanner, will be put on hold for a few weeks, after Tanner suffered a broken elbow in yesterday’s first stage of the Vuelta Castilla y Leon.

Last year’s runner-up finisher at the Tour of China and a stage winner at the Tour de Beauce was a late addition to the Saxo Bank squad for Sunday’s Hell of the North. The young Australian replaced Michael Morkov following the Dane’s unlucky spill before a training ride last Friday.

Following his debut ride in Paris-Roubaix, the 26 year old flew right back to Spain to take the start in the Vuelta a Castilla y Leon.

The hectic travel and racing schedule came to a screeching halt in yesterday’s first stage though. The former Fly V rider crashed 25 kilometers from the stage finish in Palencia and had to abandon.

Tanner was taken to the hospital, and an x-ray indicated a fracture to his elbow. The Saxo Bank rider will have his arm in a cast for two weeks and will be able to resume training in three.

The Australian was understandably disappointed about his fracture.

“The timing couldn’t have been any worse. My condition is superb, and I was really eager to help Albert get another victory here in Castilla. But this is part of the game. Being up front where the action is, is always dangerous.”