The victim of a big crash approximately two kilometres from the end of yesterday’s stage, Garmin-Barracuda rider Tom Danielson was fortunately able to continue on today’s fourth stage of the race.
The 2003 race winner was covered in cuts and bruises but escaped more serious injury. He also escaped a time loss, crossing the line seven minutes 40 seconds back but being given the same time as the bunch as his fall was inside the final three kilometres.
After a decent night’s sleep, the American rider took to the start today in Batu Pahat for the 169.4 kilometre race to Dataran Muar.
The team’s directeur sportif at the race, Allan Peiper, had told VeloNation yesterday that he expected Danielson to be able to remain in the race.
“Tommy D came down at 2.5km from the finish. He has some skin off one arm and fell heavily on his shoulder,” he said then. “At first glance he seems fine apart from some skin off. He was more worried about his beloved bike and mailed me to see if it was "ok" while I was at the podium/doping control with Dave Z.”
The 33 year old started today’s stage fourth overall, one minute 17 seconds behind his team-mate Dave Zabriskie. The latter has been leading the race since winning Friday’s opening time trial in Putrajaya.
The riders are nearing the end of today’s fourth stage; come back later for a report and videos.