Charly Wegelius had a scare in the Giro d'Italia's 13th stage to Cesenatico today. He crashed with 47 kilometres to race on a downhill run and nearly fractured his right, pinky finger.
Immediately after the stage, he said that he believed it was not fractured and that he plans to continue into the race's third and final week.
"These things happen when you race bikes," the Omega Pharma-Lotto said. "If you raced 3,600 kilometres you are going to fall off one time or another."
Wegelius is an expert when it comes to racing the Giro d'Italia, he's competed eight times. He agreed with David Millar's opinion that the race is "wacky" at times.
"You can't rule anything out here," continued Wegelius. "The Tour de France is very clearly set through the Pyrenees and Alps, but here anything can happen."
He then gave his opinion by responding to a series of questions:
Can Richie Porte take the pink jersey to the end?
"No."
Between David Arroyo and Carlos Sastre, who is more dangerous?
"Sastre. He knows how to win and he's already won a Tour de France. Arroyo is good, but Sastre is Sastre."
If you were the Liquigas sports director, would you aim for the win with Ivan Basso or Vincenzo Nibali?
"Both of them."
Why are all these strange things happening in the Giro d'Italia?
"Frankly, I don't know. There are a lot of riders that are trying to play for the win. Sastre lost time, but he did not give up. It is good that it is raced this way because it is better for the fans."
Is Cadel Evans still able to win the Giro d'Italia?
"No. Not like this."
He has his team to blame?
"I don't want to blame anyone, I will leave it up to someone else to decide."
What can we expect from you from tomorrow and onwards?
"First, I want to make sure my finger is okay. Then, I hope to make a couple of escapes or put on a good show on the climbs, as I know how to do."
Is there a young rider who has impressed you?
"Richie Porte has raced very well. When he won the Tour of Romandy stage, many people were surprised."
Related links
Giro d'Italia 2010: Cycling Weekly's coverage index
2010 Giro d'Italia coverage in association with Zipvit
Shimano Ultegra C60 wheelset review: fast rolling and great value, if a little heavy
The 16-year-old bike that's just won the British National Hill Climb championships
