Injury update: Thomas de Gendt diagnosed with hand fracture

36-year old Thomas de Gendt has spent several weeks with an undiagnosed hand fracture, and over this weekend the Lotto Dstny rider has finally been confirmed to still be suffering the effects of a crash in the final stage of Paris-Nice.

"Further examinations revealed that Thomas De Gendt has sustained a small fracture in one of the carpal bones of his left hand. The fracture is a non-displaced one and is healing well but will keep the Lotto Dstny rider out of competition for another while," a press release issued by the team announced. De Gendt crashed in stage seven of Paris-Nice and was forced to abandon. At first sight, he sustained a bruising to his calf and hand."

"Now, further examinations have shown a minor fracture in his hand, which still hinders De Gendt. The riders is wearing a brace as a protective measure but can already train with caution." The Belgian abandoned on what was the queen stage of the French race, after a modest start to the season where he hadn't yet reached his best form.

The team however confirm that he is still able to train. He will miss the Ardennes classics where he was expected to take part in, but should be back to competition at the Tour de Romandie, before focusing on the Tour de France throughout the summer. "The fracture is healing well and De Gendt is expected to return to competition at the Tour de Romandie, which starts on 25 April," the team concluded.