• Tour de France

Brailsford confirms broken collarbone for Wiggins

ESPN staff
July 8, 2011
Bradley Wiggins was rushed directly to hospital © PA Photos
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Team Sky principal Dave Brailsford has confirmed Bradley Wiggins suffered a "clean break" of his collarbone during a collision on stage seven of the Tour de France.

Wiggins had been hoping for a podium finish in this year's Tour, but it was instantly announced that his campaign was over after an awkward fall that left him clutching his left arm.

The Team Sky rider, who finished fourth in 2009, was transferred to the closest hospital, where fears of a break were confirmed, and he will now head directly back to Manchester to begin his recovery.

"He's got a clean break of his collarbone and that's the end of the Tour," Brailsford told Sky Sports News.

"He couldn't get back on his bike and it was clearly broken, so we're all gutted because we had high hopes of getting him on the podium."

In brighter news, Brailsford did predict that Wiggins should be able to return for the World Championships later this year.

"It's a clean break so it should heal pretty quickly, so I'm sure he'll be looking at the World Championships in Copenhagen," Brailsford predicted.

"There's no reason why he can't get back into the phenomenal shape he's in now. We absolutely believe he can do that, but it's all about the current race and our other riders now."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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