Today, Laurens De Plus passed further examinations at the Herentals hospital following his crash in last Thursday’s Gran Piemonte, which he abandoned a few kilometers after the start. The tests revealed a small fracture of the pelvis, which now requires three weeks of rest.

One of the three Etixx – Quick-Step riders to turn pro in 2016, De Plus has enjoyed a solid season, racing 58 days, out of which 33 have been in the World Tour, in such events as Vuelta al Pais Vasco (which he finished 25th), Flèche Wallonne, Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Criterium du Dauphiné, where he posted a strong performance while riding in support of Dan Martin and Julian Alaphilippe. His best result of the year came at the National ITT Championships, which he concluded in 7th place.