Mike O'Connor
Michael Matthews will miss the spring classics after breaking both wrists in a training crash on Thursday, ruling the Team Jayco AlUla rider out of several of his biggest early-season racing targets.
The injury is another setback for the Australian rider, who was forced to step away from racing for a period last season while receiving treatment for a cardiac issue.
“Unfortunately Team Jayco AlUla leader Michael Matthews suffered a crash whilst out training today, Thursday, March 5, and was transferred to hospital,” the Australian WorldTour team said in a statement.
“Team medical staff have confirmed that CT-scan results show fractures to both of his wrists, subsequently ruling him out of all upcoming races. He was set to line up on Sunday at his first major WorldTour test of the season, the gruelling eight-day Paris–Nice.”
“Matthews is now in direct contact with team medical staff and will have extensive support to aid a swift recovery,” the team added.
The setback comes after an encouraging start to the year for the Australian, who won the Trofeo Ruta de la Cerámica in late January. Matthews had been building toward the spring classics, including Milan–San Remo — a race where he has finished on the podium three times and placed fourth last year.
Over the years, the versatile sprinter has also taken strong results across the classics, finishing fourth at Liège–Bastogne–Liège, sixth at the Tour of Flanders and recording four top-five finishes at the Amstel Gold Race.
