Contador to soldier on despite dislocated shoulder

Alberto Contador's hopes of winning the Giro d'Italia have come under threat after he dislocated his shoulder in a crash during Stage 6.

Down but not out...Alberto Contador (Supplied) Source: Tinkoff-Saxo

The Spaniard was dragged down by a big crash that within the last 200 meters of the stage. He finished to ensure he kept the race lead.

After arriving at the team hotel he underwent medical examinations in the Giro's mobile medical vehicle where both x-rays and an echography showed that he had dislocated his left shoulder.

“I haven’t broken anything but I have suffered a dislocation of the left shoulder," said Contador who also wounded his right knee.

"The doctors have recommended that I immobilize my left arm during the evening and night, while I try to move it a bit with the help of my other arm to promote the movement of the shoulder. I will focus on this until tomorrow before the stage, where the doctors will come back to put on a layer of bandage for the race.

“I will try to start tomorrow on stage 7, as I have worked very hard ahead of the Giro. I will try to continue until the very last moment. I’m optimistic about the start tomorrow, but we have to wait until right before the start to see what happens and how serious the effect of the crash is."

Contador holds a two second lead over Astana's Fabio Aru with Australia's Richie Porte (Sky) third, 20 seconds behind.