Having shown excellent condition in the first part of the race, Alexander Porsev was hit by a major setback when he crashed in today's stage of the Eneco Tour. The Russian champion has fractured his collarbone and is out of the race.

Unfortunately two riders of Team Katusha, Alexey Tsatevich and Aleksandr Porsev, were involved in a massive crash in the final kilometer of the 4th stage of the Eneco Tour.

The fall of Reinardt van Rensburg with 400 meters to go provoked a massive crash of other riders, among them where two Russian sprinters of Team Katusha. Alexey Tsatevich was able to get back on the bike and to finish the race, while Aleksandr Porsev was forced to wait for the doctors.

"What a pity, this crash ended our chances in the final of today’s stage. The team worked hard during the whole day, supporting Aleksandr Porsev, but in the final kilometer everything changed. Alexey finished the race.  He has multiple abrasions and contusions, but we are hoping he can continue the race. Aleksandr had a really heavy crash, his leg and collarbone are injured. Now he is in the hospital with team’s doctor. We will have more information later," explained sports director of Team KatushaTorsten Schmidt.

It has later been confirmed that Porsev has fractured his collarbone.

"There was no way to get away," he said. "My front wheel hit the barrier and one second later I was on the floor. I knew immediately that I had a serious problem. It is a pity as I was in good shape and I was really keen to perform well in Eneco, Hamburg and Canada. Now we need to see what is still possible for the rest of the season."

Porsev suffers from a right collarbone fracture and was transported immediately to the Heilig-Hart Hospital of Roeselare (Belgium) where he will undergo an operation (insertion of a plate) late tonight or tomorrow morning.

The winner of the 4th stage (Koksijde – Ardooie, 183,3 km) was Nacer Bouhanni from FDJ.fr, who outsprinted Luka Mezgec from Giant-Shimano and Giacomo Nizzolo from Trek Factory.

Last year’s winner and GC contender Zdenek Stybar from Omega Pharma – Quick-Step was involved in the crash too and was forced to abandon the race.

Tomorrow the 5th stage of the race – 160 km around of Geraardsbergen - will take place.