McEwen writes off 2009 season, under doctor's orders

• Tuesday, 1 September 2009
• Nigel Wynn
• 0 Comments

Robbie McEwen has hung up his cycling shoes for the 2009 season, after suffering another set-back in his comeback from injury.

"Well it would be almost an understatement to call 2009 a disastrous season for me," the Australian Katusha rider wrote on his website on Tuesday.

"Three wins, one bad fall and two other accidents (camera on the arm during sprint in January, leg fracture from collision with barrier)."

"The accident on 28 May during stage two of the Tour of Belgium has been by far the worst one I've had during my 14-year pro career and the effect has been that my 2009 season is over."

McEwen required screws and pins to repair the leg injury he sustained in the Tour of Belgium, and missed the Tour de France due to his injuries. He attempted to return to racing at the post-Tour criteriums but the racing just aggravated his injuries.

"My doctors have advised me after the latest scans and operation that I should write off 2009," said McEwen. "I am not able nor allowed to race until medicals test show that I'm back to 100% fitness."

"I have now yet again turned the switch and have my focus on a full recovery and preparing myself for the 2010 season with Katusha when I will line up in the Tour Down Under."

As well as the Tour Down Under, McEwen is hoping to target Milan-San Remo, the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France and World Championships in 2010.

Related links
Robbie McEwen: Rider Profile
Robbie McEwen: My ten best wins