Murgoitio out of Worlds; ends season

Egoitz Murgoitio's already unsatisfactory season has come to an altogether more unsatisfactory end, with the Hirumet-Taldea rider forced to pull out of the World Championships and put an end to his season.

The former seemingly invincible 'crosser has seen his domestic crown slip into the hands of Orbea's Aitor Hernández this season, and has had mixed success on the international scene. Now, he won't get the chance to show his stuff in Louisville in a week and a half.

While training in Benidorm, the 29-year-old started feeling sharp pain in his right knee, a press release reads. He was eventually diagnosed with patellar tendinitis, more commonly known as jumper's knee.

"After having to skip a lot of training rides the last three weeks because of knee trouble, it's enough. The season is over for me", the Abadiño-born rider said.

One Hirumet-Taldea rider who will line up in America next weekend is of course sub-23 star Jonathan Lastra. He'll be accompanied by elite riders Aitor Hernández and Javier Ruíz de Larrinaga.

The last race of the Basque calendar will be held this coming Sunday in Ispaster, Vizcaya. Murgoitio is the reigning champion.

Photo: Iñaki Azanza