ROME, Nov 4, 2008 (AFP) – Italian road cycling great Paolo Bettini was
taken to hospital on Tuesday after crashing and hitting his head on a security
barrier during the Six Days of Milan track festival, it was reported by ANSA.

The 34-year-old, who announced his retirement from road racing in
September, was racing in the chaotic two-man Madison event with Spanish
veteran Juan Llaneras when he crashed alongside Ukrainian Yaroslav Popovych.

Bettini’s helmet broke upon impact with a security barrier. His neck and
head were immediately immobilized before the emergency services rushed him to
the Sacco hospital in Milan.

Initial reports suggest that Bettini, the world champion in 2006 and 2007
who in August lost his Olympic road race title in Beijing, was not seriously
injured.

However Bettini would be unlikely to continue in the Six Days, which began
Tuesday and was supposed to bring the curtain down on his career.

Photo by: CorVos Pro