Rabobank domestique Paul Martens has yet to recover fully from the injury he sustained in a crash at the end of the first stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné in June. The 26-year-old German came down heavily, fracturing three ribs and, more seriously, damaging his right kidney. While the ribs have long since healed Jan Hoogsteen, the Rabobank medical manager, fears that a premature return to racing could aggravate the damaged kidney.
“The health of the rider is everything,” said Hoogsteen, “the risk of complications, especially if Paul were to fall on the same kidney, are simply too great.”
Martens has therefore been withdrawn from the Dutch team’s squad for the upcoming Vuelta a España, and his return to racing is now not known.
Obviously disappointed to receive another setback to his recovery, Martens was at least glad that a decision had been made one way or the other. “I’m pleased that we have come to this decision together,” said the German, “there is at least some clarity and I don’t need to hang on to pointless hope. This has put my World Championships out of the question, but it is important that I have a complete recovery.
“I have spent the last months since my injury living as a professional, so as soon as I can I will be able to race.”
Whether or not Marten will be able to race again this season is unclear. With the Vuelta out of the question and the World Championships unlikely, the German may be able to make his return for the Autumn classics. Last October’s sixth place in the Giro del Piemonte should provide him with plenty of motivation to be healthy by then.