Cycling chief Commissaire attacks 'vicious' headbutt

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2008

SYDNEY (AFP) — Tour Down Under chief commissaire Michael Robb described the headbutt by Italian Elia Rigotto which put Australian cyclist Mathew Hayman out of the race Friday as the most vicious he had seen in a long time.

Rigotto knocked Hayman off his bike with 300 metres (980 feet) of the 134 kilometre (80 mile) fourth stage remaining, although a teammate of the Australian said he thought it was accidental.

Hayman fractured his left shoulder and will be operated on later Friday to insert a plate and screws.

Robb was scathing of Rigotto's riding and confirmed the Team Milram rider had been disqualified and fined 200 Swiss francs (180 US dollars).

"They were riding at approximately 60 kilometres per hour, Hayman was at the front, looked over his...