Michael Matthews breaks both wrists in training crash, ruled out of Strade Bianche

A major blow has hit Team Jayco AlUla ahead of the Italian Classics, with Michael Matthews ruled out of Strade Bianche after suffering a training crash on Thursday.

The Australian rider was transferred to the hospital following the incident, where medical examinations confirmed fractures to both of his wrists. The injuries immediately rule Matthews out of all upcoming races, including Strade Bianche this weekend and the upcoming Paris-Nice, where he had been expected to play a key role for the team.

The setback halts what had been a promising start to Matthews’ 2026 campaign. The 35-year-old opened his season in style with victory at Gran Premio Castellon, raising hopes of another strong spring campaign.

Team medical staff remain in close contact with Matthews as he begins his recovery, with the Australian now receiving support from the team’s medical department as he works towards returning to racing.

Matthews’ absence forces a late reshuffle for Team Jayco AlUla ahead of Strade Bianche, with the squad now arriving in Tuscany without the rider originally expected to lead their challenge on the gravel roads.

Instead, the team will start with the following lineup:

With Matthews out of the race, attention naturally turns to Andrea Vendrame, who will look to carry the team’s ambitions in the demanding Tuscan classic.

Vendrame heads into the race with confidence after a solid start to the season, including a fifth-place finish at Trofeo Laigueglia.

“My personal goal for Strade Bianche is to finish in the top ten,” Vendrame explained. “It’s a race I’ve always enjoyed, and in past editions I’ve always finished in the top twenty. Unfortunately, I was missing something to compete for a top ten spot, but this year I’m definitely motivated to achieve it.”

The Italian also believes his early-season form shows he is on the right path heading into one of the most demanding races of the spring calendar. “I’m coming into this Strade Bianche in better shape than in previous years, and my fifth place in Laigueglia confirmed that I’m on the right track.”

For Vendrame, Strade Bianche will also mark the beginning of an important stretch of racing. “Saturday’s Strade Bianche and starting Monday’s Tirreno-Adriatico will open up a series of races where I really want to perform at my best.”

While Matthews’ injury removes one of Jayco AlUla’s key leaders from the race, Vendrame now has an opportunity to step forward as the team looks to remain competitive on the white roads of Tuscany.