Injured Scott Zwizanski out of U.S. time trial nationals

GREENVILLE, South Carolina (VN) – Scott Zwizanski is a late scratch for the time trial at the U.S. Professional National Championships in Greenville, South Carolina. UnitedHealthcare manager Mike Tamayo told VeloNews that the former podium finisher is still recovering from a hand injury that sidelined him in late April.

“He’s still getting the hand figured out,” said Tamayo. “We were hopeful all along that his recovery would go more quickly than the doctors anticipated, but he’s still struggling to hold the bars safely.”

Zwizanski crashed out of the first stage of the Vuelta Asturias April 28 and suffered multiple fractures, a severe laceration and a dislocated pinky finger. Doctors recently removed pins installed to stabilize one of the fractures, and Zwizanski has been training outdoors on a limited basis.

“We hoped his hand would be just close enough to start the time trial,” said Tamayo, “but we knew it was a slim chance. It’s a big, big bummer for us because we were confident in his ability to finish on the podium.”

Zwizanski earlier this season finished third in the TT at the Tour de San Luis in Argentina and seventh against the clock at the Giro del Trentino in Italy. Tamayo was hopeful the Pennsylvania native would be back in time for the TD Bank Philadelphia International Championship June 6.

“Philly is 50/50 right now. We’re taking it one day at a time,” he said. “The doctors say one day he’ll wake up in the morning with no pain and full mobility. We’re waiting for that day.”