From PJ Rabice:

DISCOVERY CHANNEL TEAM SUSTAINS INJURY IN ITALY AND CONSECUTIVE STAGE WIN IN FRANCE

(Austin, TX) – Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team rider Ivan Basso was injured in today’s third stage of the Tirreno-Adriatico stage race in Italy. Basso, a two time Tour de France podium finisher, was involved in a crash along with teammate Vladimir Gusev with approximately 20 miles remaining in the stage. Although both riders finished the stage, Basso complained of wrist pain suffered while bracing himself during his fall and was immediately taken to the hospital. X-rays and examination showed no breaks or fractures; however it is still uncertain if Basso will take the start in tomorrow’s stage. The doctor will examine Basso’s wrist in the morning and make a decision at that time.

The news of Basso’s crash came at roughly the same time as his Discovery Channel teammate Yaroslav Popovych was taking the win in today’s fifth stage of the Paris-Nice stage race. Popovych’s win is the second in two days for the Discovery Channel Team, with Alberto Contador claiming victory yesterday. Contador remains in second place in the overall classification, just six seconds back of race leader David Rebellin.

Sports Director Johan Bruyneel, although happy about the win in France expressed concern about the crash in Italy. Bruyneel stated, “Our Team in Paris-Nice has been very impressive. To have won back to back stages shows that our guys are in good shape and very motivated. It is very unfortunate what happened to Ivan and I can only hope it is not too serious. It would be terrible if he would require a lot of time off the bike like we saw with George’s crash in California.”