Current Tirreno-Adriatico race leader and defending champion Michele Scarponi went to the hospital in Macerata following today’s fifth stage. The Italian crashed on the descent of the Sassotetto on the way to Colmurano and injured his wrist. He was able to continue, and finished the stage 8 seconds behind winner Enrico Gasparotto (Astana).
His x-ray result was good news for the team, showing that he did not fracture his scaphoid in the fall. “It seems that nothing is broken,” Scarponi told Tuttobiciweb. “But with the persistent pain, the doctor decided to have it examined.”
Scarponi will hope the injury improves overnight for tomorrow’s stage, but even if it is painful when riding, his maglia azzurra of race leader will likely serve to motivate him to take the start and push through the day.