Swift to go under the knife after Tour de Yorkshire spill

Ben Swift, pictured doing a recon of the stage from Bridlington to Scarborough where he ultimately fell, will go for surgery on Wednesday. (Picture: Simon Wilkinson/@swpix.com)

Pre-race favourite Swift crashed on a slick road into Scarborough and was taken to hospital.

A scan revealed he had suffered internal damage to his right shoulder joint.

The injury means he will miss this month’s Tour of California.

Swift said: “I’ve had a lot of great support this week and a lot of people asking how I am after the crash. I really want to thank everyone for that.

“The race was an incredible experience for as long as it lasted. I’ve never heard so many people shouting my name before. It’s just a shame it ended how it did.”

This is the third time Swift has undergone surgery on his shoulder, with the previous two occasions coming in 2012.

Nevertheless, Team Sky principal Dave Brailsford anticipates he will make a speedy recovery.

“It’s really disappointing for Ben because he is a fantastic character,” said Brailsford.

“He heals quickly, he does know how to do rehab and if anybody can recover, he will.”

Meanwhile, Richie Porte will front Team Sky’s bid for glory at the Giro d’Italia.

The 30-year-old Australian, who has won Paris-Nice, Volta a Catalunya and Giro del Trentino this season, will lead a nine-man team during a competition which begins in San Lorenzo on Saturday. Porte’s squad features the Italian duo Salvatore Puccio and Elia Viviani, alongside Bernhard Eisel, Sebastian Henao, Vasil Kiryienka, Leopold Konig, Mikel Nieve and Kanstantsin Siutsou.