Tony Martin receiver several fractures after a training crash
Tony Martin of Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step has injured himself during a training accident and will not be able to represent the team in the coming events.
The cyclist was riding near his home in Switzerland and experienced a head on collision, which brought him to the ground. He was unconscious after the crash and was transported to the University Clinic in Zurich.
Team Manager Jorg Werner confirmed that Martin has fractured his jaw and a cheek bone after the crash.
Tony had a terrific past season and filled his bag with several victories including the World Time Trial Championships, Chrono des Nations and a second overall finish at the Tour de Romandie.
The 26-year-old grabbed stages at the Tour de France, Vuelta a Espana, Criterium du Dauphine, Volta ao Algarve, Paris-Nice and the Tour of Beijing.
He also managed to occupy the first overall position at the Paris-Nice, Volta ao Algarve and the Tour of Beijing in the past season.
Martin started off the 2012 season rather slowly and his only commendable performances in the current year include a 2nd overall spot at the Volta ao Algarve and the 5th place finish at the Tour of the Basque Country.
The German was picking form slowly but surely and was optimistic to grab victories in the later part of the season.
Tony’s most recent participation was during the Pais Vasco. He finished third during the 18.9 kilometre final stage of the race which helped him with the 5th overall spot at the race.
While commenting on his first podium finish of the season, Martin wrote on his personal website, “As expected, the 'mountain goats' were practically unbeatable”.
“I made the best of it with my third place and seven seconds down on Sanchez (stage winner). There was nothing more I could do”.
He was expected to participate at the Tour of Romandie scheduled on April 24-29, but the crash has now raised suspicions towards his participation in the event.
Martin’s Team Manager Jorg Werner told dpa news agency that the cyclist will undergo surgery once the swelling goes away.
Only time will tell if the cyclist recovers in time to ride the 13th biggest race of the season, Tour of Romandie.
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