Greipel set for three-months on sidelines

ADELAIDE, Australia, Jan 22, 2009 (AFP) – German sprinter Andre Greipel is set for three months on the sidelines after a dramatic crash in the third stage of the Tour Down Under here Thursday.

Greipel, the defending champion who won four stages last year, dramatically crashed into a motorbike parked on the side of the road early in the 136km stage from Unley to Victor Harbor.

As he hit the ground, his bike flew back into the peloton, taking down more riders.

A Columbia team statement said he was facing three months out after dislocating his shoulder and sustaining a deep cut on his elbow, and cuts on his leg.

“He underwent minor surgery on the cut on his elbow and he is scheduled to fly back to Hamburg tomorrow (Friday),” it said.

“It is expected he will be out for around three months.”

On the first real day of action of this year’s race, there was drama as strong winds — blowing branches and debris across the road — combined with a nervous peloton to cause havoc.

Lance Armstrong, making his comeback from retirement here in a bid to hone his form ahead of bigger goals later this season, avoided a tumble when he rode over a stray branch in the middle of the road.

Behind the seven-time Tour de France winner, numerous riders came crashing down and most failed to get back up.

Australian Baden Cooke, who won the stage to Victor Harbor two years ago, suffered extensive skin abrasions and bruising and attended hospital.

New Zealander Timothy Gudsell, of Francaise des Jeux, suffered a broken right collarbone while teammate, Frenchman Remy Di Gregorio, suffered a tailbone injury.

Swiss rider Michael Schar, of Armstrong’s Astana team, departed the race after receiving treatment to nerve damage from a cut on his lower leg.