Vermaerke explains cracked rib comments after Vuelta clip goes viral

Vermaerke has clarified the comments about a cracked rib that were picked up by TV microphones during stage 7 of the Vuelta a España, insisting that the injury is not affecting him on the bike.

The American was caught by the TV cameras speaking to the team car during Friday’s stage to Aramón Valdelinares, mentioning pain and a cracked rib. 

Speaking before Saturday’s stage 8, Vermaerke explained that there was less to the comments than the clip suggested.

“I didn't know there was a TV motorbike right there,” he told the media, including Domestique. “I crashed a few weeks ago, and I have a small crack in the back of my ribs, but it's not anything that affects me on the bike."

According to Vermaerke, the exchange with team sports manager Matxin Joxean Fernández was simply a joke that happened to be caught by a microphone.

“It was just a joke, Matxin and I had with the car, and there happened to be a microphone there,” he said. “But it's all good. Just a viral clip I think that went around last night.”

He was then asked whether the 171-kilometre stage from Puçol to Xeraco, with wind, numerous roundabouts and a late climb, could offer some respite after a demanding opening week.

His team leader Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) has dominated the race so far, winning three stages and building a 3:50 lead over Enric Mas (Movistar), with Vermaerke playing his part. 

“I would like it to be a rest day,” Vermaerke said. “But at the end of the day we still have to ride 175km, and it's never an easy day here."

"With the wind and the roundabouts and climb in the final, it's not going to be an easy day.”

He did, however, acknowledge that the peloton could use a slightly easier day, particularly with a much tougher stage to come to round out the opening week, with a summit finish on the Alto de Aitana.

“I think the whole peloton feels the last two days on the legs,” he said. “Especially with the massive day we have tomorrow, a bit of an easier day would be nice.”