The 19-year-old neo-pro was forced to abandon the event after being involved in a crash.
The Belgian, who finished a fine 15th on the race’s first mountain top finish – Jebel Hafeet – crashed on his right side with 85 kilometers left of Wednesday’s stage 4 to Hatta Dam and suffered abrasions on his elbow, under arm, hip and fingers, but fortunately there were no fractures, or signs of concussion.
He will now spend a couple of days recuperating and it is hoped he can start training by the weekend and his program for the next weeks should not be in danger.
“I am of course upset and a little bit scared about what happened, as it was my first World Tour race and this is not how I wanted it to end. But apart from some soreness, I’m ok and nothing is broken, which is a relief. I hope to heal fast and return as soon as possible to the pack”, said the best young rider of the Vuelta a San Juan.
Photo credit: ©Justin Setterfield/ Getty Images
