Failure to Launch: Pocket Rocket Robbie McEwen Breaks Tibia, Career in Doubt

News broke today that Australian sprinting legend Robbie McEwen has a broken tibia, and not only will miss the Tour de France, but may see his career end due to the injury. McEwen, racing at the Tour of Belgium, crashed hard during today's second stage, breaking his tibia in the process. This was the Aussie's second crash this month, and in addition to the break he also has ligament damage. He'll be out of the saddle a minimum of four months.

At 36 years old, an injury of this stature could well end McEwen's career. Known as a fiesty, fend for himself sprinter, McEwen never required the long lead out trains that fellow competitors Alessandro Petacchi or Mario Cipollini did. He was always able, sometimes a bit recklessly, to find the right gap at the right time, and over his career he racked up a slew of wins, including 12 stages and three green jerseys in the Tour de France, two Australian road race championships, 12 stages at the Giro d'Italia and myriad wins in smaller stage races throughout Europe.

McEwen is a certain Hall of Fame inductee and will be remembered as an unconventional, fearless sprinter who had a turn of speed in the final 500 meters that few could match. Never afraid to speak his mind, his feisty attitude will be missed at the highest level of the sport, and it is hoped if his pro career is in fact over that he'll remain in the sport to help further develop Australian cycling.

While doctors are calling into question whether McEwen will ride professionally again, his will to compete should not be counted out. He has been through very tough crashes before, and he'll likely not want to end his career on such a down note. Expect that the "Pocket Rocket" will put his all into a comeback, and don't be surprised to see him at the start line at the 2010 Tour Down Under this coming January.