After having undergone an x-ray examination at the Pierre Beregovoy hospital in Nevers this evening, Captain Courageous Tyler Hamilton has decided to continue his strive for success the Tour de France. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /?>

X-rays of the fractured collarbone showed that the condition of <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /?>
Hamilton?s injury has not worsened since Sunday, in spite of the American feeling worse this morning.
Hamilton consulted the doctor?s car during today?s stage where he asked to have his bandage removed due to the excessive heat causing the area around his collarbone to swell.

?It was very, very hot and at one point during the stage I was forced to have my bandages removed. The area around the fracture was swollen but the swelling disappeared again after the stage when I had some ice put on it. It still hurts when I am standing up in the pedals but I am still fighting to stay in the race,? said
Hamilton after the stage.

Hamilton expressed great relief after having paid a visit to the hospital. ?I?m very relieved and very happy, because I was feeling really bad after yesterday?s team time trial.?

"I am ready to continue riding as long as I feel that I can compete with the others, I may not be able to ride at 100%, but I can ride at 90 or 95% - and therefore I feel that I?m able to compete,? Hamilton told Danish TV2 shortly after having consulted the doctor.

It was clearly a relieved
Hamilton that left the hospital.
Hamilton appeared more optimistic than we?ve seen him in the past two stages but still stressed that he is still taking it ?one day at a time.?

All the editors here at Roadcycling.com wish
Tyler a speedy recovery and hope to see him at his best in the mountains. Keep fighting
Tyler!

Be sure to keep sending us your comments for
Tyler. We?ll pass them on to him as soon as we receive them. Email us at info@roadcycling.com

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