BETTINI CRASHES DURING MILAN SIX

Paolo Bettini 2008

Paolo Bettini is riding his last ever race as a professional at the Milan Six-Day but could be forced to retire on the very first day of racing after hitting his head in a high-speed crash.

Bettini was going for the final sprint in the Madison event on the 166-metre track when he hit Yaroslav Popovych who had tangled with Luke Roberts and slid down the track. Bettini landed heavily on the inside of the track and banged his head on the barriers. His helmet smashed into two and Bettini lay on the ground for several minutes before a neck brace was applied and he was taken to hospital.

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