As a consequence of a crash with about 10km remaining in Paris-Nice Stage 2 on Monday, Gianni Meersman left the race yesterday, returned to Belgium, and immediately underwent examinations at H.-Hartziekenhuis Roeselare-Menen as decided by team medical staff.

Medical checks underlined fractures of the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th ribs of the right hemithorax. A CT Scan also underlined fractures of three, and fissures of six, transverse processes in the dorsal and lumbar areas.

Meersman, who is already at home, will have to respect a period of rest for at least two weeks. Meersman will resume training after that point depending on the clinical evolution of his injuries.

"Today I underwent a few medical checks," Meersman said. "All the medical staff at the hospital were really friendly with me. The injury is nothing to worry about. I am already at home. But of course I need to take a period of rest. In a couple of weeks I will undergo another scan to see how the situation is based on evaluations.

"It's a pity because my condition was really good. It's probably the worst crash in my life as it was also in a bad moment of the season. But, that's life. The only thing I can do now is relax, recover as fast as I can, and spend some time with my family. As soon I can, I will start training again with even more motivation than before."

You can read our preview of today's stage here and follow our live coverage at 14.25 CET on CyclingQuotes.com/live.