Team leader Vincenzo Nibali of Astana was a part of the mass crash before the climb on today’s Tour de San Luis stage. Also Mikel Landa and Frederik Kessiakoff went down from the Astana Team.

“Before the start of the climb, there was a crash in front of me and I couldn’t avoid it. My ribs on the left side of my body were beaten, but fortunately it doesn’t seem to be anything serious. I hope it won’t have any serious consequences,” Nibali said to tuttobiciweb.it.

Michele Scarponi was in front of the crash and avoided it. He was able to ride the climb and feels good about his form at the time of the season.

“I was in front of the crash – I didn’t see it. Nibali and Landa went down in a big one – I think Kessiakoff, too.”

“When we got to the last climb I felt good – good like I could still race to the finish. It’s still a long way from my top form, but I’m getting better with respect to the other riders here – like, I’m further along now than I was when I got here,” he told the Astana webpage.

Frederik Kessiakoff and Vincenzo Nibali were able to finish the stage. Mikel Landa needed some new wheels and a motorpace, but he also finished the race. The team confirms that Nibali has pain and soreness in his ribs.