Alejandro Valverde may be forced to abandon plans to ride the Giro d’Italia after he suffered nasty injuries in a training crash on his birthday.
The Movistar rider came down three days before Liège-Bastogne-Liège, later abandoning the final spring Monument just over 100km from home.
His team said the four-time winner had pulled out due to “various physical problems,” but did not give further details.
Hospital scans carried out on Monday (April 29) revealed Valverde was suffering from a buildup of fluid in his lower back after the fall.
A statement from Movistar, released on Tuesday (April 30) said: “Alejandro Valverde underwent scans in Murcia on Monday to examine the area damaged by his crash during a training ride last Thursday, prior to Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
“The checkups confirmed bone edema in his sacrum.
“[His] Giro appearance depends on his recovery.”
This year the reigning world champion was due to ride only his second Giro d’Italia, alongside fellow Spaniard Mikel Landa.
Valverde, who celebrated his 39th birthday on Thursday, has struggled to find previous form so far this season.
He has taken just one stage win so far in 2019 – stage three of the UAE Tour – and does not have a general classification victory to his name.
By the end of April last year Valverde had taken nine wins, including three overall titles.
Last month, Valverde announced the date he plans to retire from professional cycling.
He confirmed he plans to ride the Tokyo Olympics next year, then ride one more season before retiring in 2021.
>>> Tom Dumoulin says he’s performing ‘worse than last two years’ ahead of Giro d’Italia
The Movistar rider told el Periódico: “The plan is to retire in 2021.
“I will do one more season after the Olympic Games in Tokyo. I think that’s fine.
“I want to be at home and enjoy time with my family.
“Then I will see if I dedicate myself to the team of kids I’m promoting in Murcia or if I’m still involved with Movistar.
“In 2021 I will have ridden 19 seasons.”
-
-
Amazon Prime Day 2021: The best deals on cycling kit
Amazon Prime Day is here and cyclists can find great deals on cycling shoes, GPS units, tires, helmets, sunglasses and much more!
By Cycling Weekly •
-
Wout van Aert wins Belgian road race title, Evenepoel third, on weekend of National Championships
All the action from this weekend's national championships
By Jonny Long •
-
How Richard Carapaz won the Giro d'Italia 2019, according to his team
Richard Carapaz began as a back-up leader in the 2019 Giro d'Italia, but took the steps planned by Movistar to have a chance at glory.
By Gregor Brown •
-
Landa attacks ‘perfect’ for GC hopes, says Richard Carapaz
Giro d'Italia leader Richard Carapaz has welcomed the attacks of his Movistar team-mate Mikel Landa as the race enters its closing phase.
By Gregor Brown •
-
'It's obvious Nibali is the most dangerous rival': Richard Carapaz survives a tough day in pink
The Ecuadorian survived a brutal day over the Mortirolo to hold on to his overall lead at the Giro d'Italia
By Gregor Brown •
-
Mikel Landa: 'Seeing my Giro rivals weaker gives me morale going forward'
The Basque rider put a strong showing in on stage 13 of the Giro d'Italia to gain valuable time
By Gregor Brown •
-
Mikel Landa clarifies Simon Yates comment after Giro d'Italia stage four crash
The Basque rider make comments about Yates that were reported in the media on Tuesday night
By Gregor Brown •
-
Richard Carapaz wins in chaotic stage four final of Giro d'Italia 2019 as Tom Dumoulin loses time
Richard Carapaz won stage three of the Giro d'Italia from a small group after crashes tore the peloton apart in the final.
By Alex Ballinger •
-
Alejandro Valverde pulls out of Giro d’Italia
Alejandro Valverde has been forced to pull out of the Giro d’Italia due to an injury suffered on his birthday.
By Alex Ballinger •
-
Mikel Landa hoping for change of fortunes on Giro d'Italia return
The Basque rider is likely to ride the Tour de France following the Giro
By Gregor Brown •
