Blow for Astana as key man ruled out of Tour des Alpes Maritimes with perirenal contusion

A late crash in the final metres at the Classic Var has forced Simone Velasco out of the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes, dealing an early setback to the XDS Astana Team’s French campaign.

Velasco crashed in the closing metres of Classic Var while positioned to contest the sprint, leaving him unable to deliver a final effort. Less than 24 hours later, the team confirmed the Italian would not take the start at the race.

In an official medical update, XDS Astana Team stated that no fractures were detected, but that Velasco sustained a right perirenal contusion. The team added that he is feeling well, though he will be replaced in the lineup by Marco Schrettl.

A perirenal contusion refers to bruising around the kidney area, typically caused by heavy impact. While scans have ruled out broken bones, such injuries can be painful and require caution, particularly so soon after a high-speed crash.

Velasco had originally been part of a punch-heavy squad for the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes alongside Christian Scaroni, Alberto Bettiol, Diego Ulissi, Nicolas Vinokurov, Thomas Silva and Clement Champoussin. His ability to handle rolling terrain and sprint from reduced groups made him a valuable tactical option across both stages.

His absence shifts additional responsibility onto the likes of Bettiol and Ulissi, with Schrettl stepping into the vacancy at short notice.

The timing is unfortunate for both rider and team. Velasco had been in a position to sprint at Classic Var before the crash ended his chances, suggesting competitive form at the start of the French block.

With no fractures detected, the longer-term outlook appears stable. However, the immediate impact is clear: XDS Astana Team head into Tour des Alpes-Maritimes without one of their most versatile hilly finishers, forced into an early-season reshuffle following a dramatic finale in France.