Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Iljo Keisse was diagnosed today with a fracture of the 4th metacarpus on his left hand, which he suffered during the Giro d'Italia.
"It was a simple, non-racing accident," explains Keisse. "At the end of the 11th Stage of the Giro I was going back to the team bus when suddenly somebody opened the door of one of the nearby team cars, which were parked on the side of the road. I hit the door with my hand and I felt immediate pain. The day after I had a scan of my hand, which didn't underline any kind of fracture. I continued the Giro until the end, but then once I was at home the pain remained. Yesterday I had another scan that underlined a fracture. It's a pity, but that's also part of our job. Fortunately, in any case, I had to already take a period of rest without racing."
Keisse will have to wear a cast on his left hand for three weeks before getting back on his bike.
"I will take advantage of this period off to spend more time with my family," Keisse said.