One of Jasper Philipsen and Mathieu van der Poel's key Alpecin-Deceuninck lieutenants is set for an extended period on the treatment table after a nasty crash at Nokere Koerse.
"A setback for Jonas Rickaert, who crashed in the final of Nokere Koerse," reads an announcement by the official Alpecin-Deceuninck team. "Examination revealed a displaced clavicle fracture (right side) and two broken ribs (without displacement). Today, he will undergo surgery at the AZ Hospital in Herentals."
Philipsen survived the crash-marred finale on Wednesday afternoon but was unable to take the victory as former Alpecin-Deceuninck rider Tim Merlier made it a hat-trick with his third consecutive win at Nokere Koerse.
The injury to Rickaert also continues the recent bad luck for the team with Michael Gogl and Soren Kragh Andersen having knee issues, Silvan Dillier a DNF at Paris-Nice and another of their star riders, Kaden Groves also suffering.
🏥 A setback for #JonasRickaert, who crashed in the full final of @NokereKoerse. Examination revealed a displaced clavicle fracture (right side) and two broken ribs (without displacement). Today, he will undergo surgery at the AZ Hospital in Herentals. 💙🤞 #alpecindeceuninck
