An MRI scan has revealed that Simon Gerrans suffered a minor hip fracture on stage three of the Vuelta a España. Gerrans continued racing through his undetected injury with the pain worsening over the last week. Concerned that his injuries were more serious than originally suspected, Gerrans went to hospital following the conclusion of stage 13 where he was diagnosed with the fracture.

“I’ve been in a quite a bit of pain since my crash on stage three but was hoping it wasn’t too serious so that I could stay in the Vuelta and prepare for the World Championships,” Gerrans explained. “The pain just got worse and worse, and today we decided to have it scanned. That’s when we learned about the fracture.”

“I’ve had a feeling something wasn’t right over the last few days,” Gerrans continued. “This obviously means that my season is over because an injury like this needs time to heal. I was really aiming to finish the year off with some good results, but with this happening, I need to pack it in for 2013.”

Gerrans' stellar season included an historical stage win in Corsica on the third stage at the Tour de France. Following ORICA-GreenEDGE’s team time trial win on stage four, Gerrans pulled on the iconic yellow leader’s jersey, which he wore for two days before passing it along to his teammate and friend Daryl Impey. Other notable results include stage victories at the Tour Down Under, Volta a Catalunya, Vuelta al Pais Vasco and a podium at Amstel Gold Race.

“Simon has had an incredible year, and we are extremely thankful for what he has done for the team – both on and off the bike,” said General Manager Shayne Bannan. “He’s been a real role model and one of our most successful riders throughout this season. It’s too bad we won’t see him race the Worlds in Florence because the course would have suited him, but knowing Simon, I’m sure he’ll be back strong next year to continue his great career at the highest level.”

“I’m obviously really disappointed, but I have a lot of good memories from one my best seasons to date,” Gerrans added. “I’m sort of lucky that I can still recover fully in time to come back strong next year. This season has been great for me and the team. I look forward to healing up and setting new goals for next year.”