27-year-old Portuguese, Rui Oliveira had been initially scheduled to race Kuurne - Bruxelles - Kuurne later today for UAE Team Emirates. After a bad crash at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad however, that is sadly no longer the case.
"Unfortunately Rui Oliveira fractured his left radius (minimally displaced fracture) after being involved in a crash during Omloop Het Nieuwsblad," reads an announcement from UAE Team Emirates' medical director, Dr.Adrian Rotunno, via the team's official social media. "His arm has been immobilised and will be managed further once he is back home."
Despite Oliveira's crash, UAE Team Emirates had a solid performance to open the Classics season, claiming second spot on the podium through Nils Politt with Tim Wellens also placing well in 12th.
They will be hoping to go one better this Sunday afternoon at Kuurne - Bruxelles - Kuurne and take victory, although now they will have to do so without the help of Oliveira. The Portuguese has been replaced in the team's lineup for the race by Gibbe Staes.
Medical Update: Dr.Adrian Rotunno (Medical Director): "Unfortunately @roliveira57 fractured his left radius(minimally displaced fracture) after being involved in a crash during #OHN24 today. His arm has been immobilised and will be managed further once he is back home." #WeAreUAE
