Say it ain't so... Mauricio!

Cause to worry?

A doubting Soler before Sunday's start.

www.teambarloworld.com

After his stage 1 fall, Mauricio Soler's Tour can only be spelled with one word ... disaster.

He injured both wrist's with a fall 9 km from the finish. Fact is, I have to give him full credit in finishing both stages 1 & 2. A suspect fracture to his left scaphoid could stop him from defending his 2007 KOM jersey. He also suffered a sprained right wrist. Talk about double trouble.

Sunday's finish in St. Brieuc was further proof that the grimpeur rode in pain. He finished dead last, 179th place, 7:18 from superb stage winner Thor Hushovd. Hard to see him in 179th some 10:22 behind, his overall GC hopes wiped out. The good news is that X-rays taken Saturday revealed no broken bones.

After the second stage, the hopeful Colombian said, "I was all over in pain. I couldn't force the pace getting up on the pedals. It was a hard day, let's hope for a better tomorrow."

I have a sinking feeling that the 2007 KOM, on account of the pain, will soon quit.

How long can Mauricio Soler, now Lanterne Rouge, continue?

Say it ain't so!