Leipheimer out of Tour of Basque Country but "lucky to be alive" after being hit by car

Omega Pharma-Quick Step rider Levi Leipheimer has said that he is “lucky to be alive” after being hit from behind by a car while on a solo training ride ahead of the Tour of the Basque Country. The news takes some of the shine off what had been a great day for the team with Tom Boonen’s victory in the Tour of Flanders.

In a statement, the Belgian team said: “Leipheimer suffered soreness and swelling to his lower left leg.

“He was transported to the hospital where an echo was performed.

“No broken bones were found, and there is hope that the injury is just a muscle contusion to his left calf.”

The 38-year-old, who joined his current team from RadioShack at the end of last season, has returned immediately to California, where he will undergo further tests.

"I was kind of in shock, you know," he explained. "The bottom line is it was super scary and I am lucky to be alive.

“I'd also like to add that the team has been really supportive.

“The doctor here took great care of me, Ro, who handles all our travel did a great job at making sure I get home really early, and I've received good messages from the team.

“I'm really thankful for that."

Leipheimer is the second high-profile rider to have been injured in a training ride in the space of 24 hours, the two incidents happening on opposite sides of the globe.

Earlier today, we reported that Australia’s Shane Perkins suffered bruising and a sprained wrist while training in his home city of Melbourne, where he plans to defend his world kierin title later this week.