The Powercor Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic defending champion hasn't given up hope on starting this Saturday's race.
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Nick White, who claimed his first title last year, had a crash in stage one of the Herald Sun Tour last week.
He sustained a collapsed lung and fractured rib.
White hasn't ridden since the crash but isn't ruling out a Melbourne to Warrnambool start.
"I'm not 100 per cent out, I'm waiting for the next few days to make the final decision," he said.
He plans to undertake some fitness tests.
"I'll go for a ride later today," he said on Monday.
"If I feel all right I'll go for a longer one tomorrow.
"If all well, I'll try and start."
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He is mostly concerned about the rib pain he is likely to deal with.
There's no doubt the 22-year-old wants the opportunity to defend his crown.
"I definitely want to," he said.
"If I feel like I'm healthy enough, I'll do it.
"I'm very eager to stat the race and defend the title."
The Team BridgeLane rider finished last year's 262-kilometre race in six hours, 15 minutes and six seconds.
He was named the Cycling Victoria Cyclist of the Year in 2019.
If the Ballarat-based rider doesn't come up for the race he plans to help at the Ballarat Cycling Classic charity ride.
Funds go towards cancer research.
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