Bennati says Adio to Giro

Gazzetta reports this morning that Liquigas sprinter Daniele Bennati is unlikely to make the start at the Centenary Giro d’Italia. “I can’t rule it out 100 percent,” said Bennati. “But be present in this condition will not well serve either myself or my team.”

The injury, a torn muscle in his thigh, has plagued the Italian sprinter since a crash at Tirreno-Adriatico. He managed to finish Milano-Sanremo, but struggled in the finale. Subsequent races followed a similar pattern, culminating with his abandon from the Ronde van Vlaanderen. Monday, Bennati will undergo an MRI to learn more. “The time is too short to take the start at the Tour de Romandie and then arrive ready for the Giro del Centenario,” Benna lamented.

Hottitude fans the world over weep.

Bad news also for the blonde hottitude fans, I’m afraid. Thor Hushovd of Cervélo TestTeam will skip the Giro d’Italia, in favor of preparing for the Tour de France.