The ex- World and Olympic champion fell during the first race-day of the Milan Six Day race after a skid by Popovych that interfered with Bettini and the Australian Roberts while they were sprinting.
The rider suffered a heavy fall where the rider crashed into the containment wall. Bettini's helmet was smashed to pieces and was immediately taken to Sacco hospital in Milan for tests.
After the initial shock, the tests came up negative, but the rider will likely not be able to continue the 6 Giorni race.
Bettini now has until Thursday to get back on the track. "The most important thing," explained Bettini, "is that I didn’t sustain any serious injuries. The fall was terrible and I have no recollection of a few crucial minutes. This morning my back and neck are aching. But this is nothing compared to what could have happened to me. The 6 Giorni? I’ll decide whether to continue or not this evening."