Following a fall during today’s training session in Calpe (Spain), Nikolas Maes has suffered a fracture to his left collarbone.

“It all happened in a fraction of a second,” explains the unfortunate Belgian rider. “I was pedaling in the group with Boonen and Cavendish when suddenly my chain jumped the rails and I ended up on the ground. Right away I could tell something was wrong with my left shoulder. Unfortunately this kind of thing happens in our line of work. However, I’m going to try and think positive and I hope to get back in the saddle as soon as possible.”

This afternoon Maes will go back to Belgium, and this evening he will be undergoing tests at the Herentals Clinic to determine any eventual need for surgery.

Further information regarding Maes’ recuperation time will be available tomorrow, Wednesday, January 9th, 2013.