Jalabert cries off Milan-San Remo

FRENCHMAN Laurent Jalabert, pre race favourite for today's Milan-San Remo classic, pulled out of the race yesterday because of a knee injury.

The Frenchman, the world number one and winner last year, made the decision after an hour long training session at his hotel on the outskirts of Milan.

Jalabert damaged his left knee in a tall a week ago in the Paris Nice race.

He had ultra sound treatment and fluid was taken from the knee when he consulted a specialist in Barcelona on Thursday and he said on his arrival yesterday morning that he was unlikely to start in the Milan-San Remo race.