MADRID, March 21, 2013 (AFP) – Race leader Alejandro Valverde has abandoned
the Tour of Catalonia after crashing 119 kilometers into the fourth stage of
the event on Thursday.
The Spanish rider and his Team Movistar team-mate Eros Capecchi both had to
withdraw from the race after crashing on a descent towards Seo de Urgel.
Valverde continued for another 10 kilometres before finally pulling out,
although Movistar confirmed they believe he has suffered only superficial
injuries.
“Alejandro Valverde and Eros Capecchi have bruises all over their body, but
we believe there is nothing more serious,” team manager Eusebio Nzue was
quoted as saying on the team’s twitter page.
The former Tour of Spain winner had taken a four-second lead over Bradley
Wiggins and Joaquim Rodriguez after the first three days of the tour.