Armstrong, seen here after Thursday's crash, also fell in Tuesday's fourth stage

X-rays on the left elbow of seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong have revealed no fractures following his crash in the Tour of California.

Armstrong suffered a cut under his left eye that required eight stitches and a severely bruised elbow during a crash on the race's fifth stage on Thursday.

Armstrong, 38, said he regretted having to pull out of the race.

But the American sporting legend remains on course to bid for another Tour de France crown this July.

Armstrong said in a statement released through his Radio Shack team: "It was a shame to have to abandon early and not be able to help [team-mate] Levi [Leipheimer] to another victory.

606: DEBATE Discuss the Tour of California on 606

"It was one of those crashes that put a bunch of us down. I tried to give it a go but my eye was swollen so I couldn't see properly and the pain in the elbow prevented me from holding the bars for the remainder of the stage.

"It was a relief to learn there were no breaks. I will take a few days to recover and be on the bike as soon as possible."

Prior to the Tour de France (July 3-25), Armstrong is slated to race in the Tour of Switzerland which starts on June 12.

The Tour of California continues Friday with the 217.7km sixth stage from Palmdale to Big Bear Lake and concludes on Sunday.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version