Bettini hospitalized after crashing out of his final race

By Agence France Presse

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, ANSA reported.

The 34-year-old, who announced his retirement from road racing in September, was racing the Madison 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 title in Beijing, was not seriously injured.

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

FILED UNDER: Track