After crashing during stage four of the Volta ao Algarve, Lotto-Soudal’s Andre Greipel has confirmed that he has fractured a rib. The 33 year old German may miss the expected sprint showdown on Sunday at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne as a consequence.

Greipel crashed, taking Movistar’s Alex Dowsett with him, with the latter going into Greipel’s side and damaging the rib. He didn’t start stage five as a precaution, but Greipel’s team thought the rib was just bruised. Further tests yesterday confirmed this was not the case.

This means the at least five riders (Greipel, Marcel Seiberg, Gert Dockx, Thomas De Gendt and Jelle Wallays) may now be out until at least next Monday unless they heal quickly.