After a fall during a training session yesterday, Gert Steegmans, one of Mark Cavensih’ trusted lead out men, has suffered a small fracture to his right thumb, as well as a gash on his right hand, which required five stitches.

“I was riding back towards Monaco after training and simulating some sprints. In a split second I ended up on the ground. Right away I could tell there was something wrong with my right hand. So I went to the hospital and they diagnosed a fracture to my thumb. Fortunately, I was wearing winter gloves and so I avoided further complications," he said according to a team press release.

Due to his injuries, Gert Steegmans will not take part in the Volta ao Algarve scheduled from tomorrow until Sunday. Frantisek Rabon will replace Steegmans in the Omega Pharma-Quick Step line-up.

"I’m really sorry that I won’t be lining up for the start of the race,” explains the Belgian rider. “I’m in good form and I wanted to be useful to the team and ride some good lead outs for Cavendish. Oh, well, tough luck … I’m sure I’ll get another chance very soon.”

Steegmans will observe a few days of rest and if there are no further complications, he should be able to resume training in within a few days.