March 31, 2007 (Palma, Mallorca, Spain) — Canada’s Travis Smith has withdrawn from the men’s sprint competition at the track cycling world championships, due to injuries sustained in a crash yesterday.

Smith, 26, from Calgary, crashed heavily on his right hip in the repechage round of the keirin on Friday morning, and was taken to hospital for X-rays. Although he had no broken bones, he did sprain his hip and was advised to withdraw by medical staff.

“It’s disappointing because the one event I wanted to do the best in was the sprint,” said Smith. “To be doing 10.2s and 10.3s in training the last few days and then not be able to compete, it sucks.”

Zach Bell (Watson Lake YK) will compete for Canada in the men’s points race later today. Gina Grain (Victoria BC) will compete in the women’s points race tomorrow.