Greipel breaks collarbone

Andre Greipel (Lotto-Belisol) has broken his collarbone in a nasty crash in the finale of Gent-Wevelgem earlier today. He came down hard and immediately abandoned the race, ending his hopes of a win and a strong performance in the remaining spring races. His disappointment was clear to see from the view of the camera inside the Lotto-Belisol team car.

He had been due to compete in the Three Days of De Panne which started on Tuesday this coming week, competing against the likes of Mark Cavendish. However instead he will undergo surgery tonight to replace two torn out ligaments, and realign his collarbone. He will then spend the night in hospital. There is no current statement concerning when it is likely he will return to the bike. 

Lotto-Belisol have said the German champion will not be replaced in their roster for the Three Days of De Panne, and team manager Marc Sergeant expressed his disappointment at the fact he will not be in the Tour of Flanders or Paris-Roubaix, where he played a vital team role last year, particularly in Flanders, taking part in a long breakaway.

Jurgen Roelandts saved some face for Lotto today with a tenth place finish, but it was not the end to the day the team were hoping for. We wish Andre Greipel a quick recovery so he can be back sprinting agaisnt Kittel and Cavendish et al.