MILAN, Italy — Two-time world champion Paolo Bettini, who crashed and hit his head during the Six Days of Milan indoor cycling event, was released from a hospital on Tuesday.

In the final race of Bettini's career, Ukrainian rider Yaroslav Popovych fell in front of the Italian. Bettini slammed his head into a protective barrier and broke his helmet, the Gazzetta dello Sport reported on its Web site.

A collar was attached to immobilize the neck of Bettini, who remained conscious and could talk, the ANSA news agency reported. Bettini later walked out of the Sacco hospital without assistance.

The 34-year-old Bettini won the world championship road race in 2006 and 2007. He also won the road race at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Bettini announced his retirement in September, saying his Quick Step team wound not renew his contract.