Alex Dowsett and Movistar Team's hopes to take on a successful UCI Hour record attempt were seriously damaged yesterday as the Essex-based rider suffered a crash during a training ride on home roads. Pain in his right-hand shoulder forced Dowsett to be moved to a hospital nearby, where radiological examinations confirmed a fracture in his collarbone.

The severity of Dowsett's fracture will require surgery, which the Briton will likely undergo on Thursday. A media day scheduled for Tuesday 20 at London's Lee Valley VeloPark, venue of the event on February 27, has been cancelled. In contrary, details on whether Dowsett's attempt will go on as planned or be postponed will be specified in the next few days, subject to medical examination after his surgery and Dowsett's own consideration.