After undergoing surgery on Sunday in order to close the wound he had on his left knee after crashing in Milan-Sanremo, Julien Vermote went this morning to the H.-Hartziekenhuis clinic in Roeselare together with the team's doctor Toon Cruyt for further medical examination, which revealed that he also has a small muscle tear on the vastus lateralis of his left quadriceps. Because of these injuries, he has to rest for up to 8-9 days before returning on the bike to resume his training, and as a result, he will miss the upcoming cobblestones Classics.

"It's a tough moment for me. Everybody knows how much I love the Classics, which this year I am forced to watch on TV. After riding E3 Harelbeke and Driedaagse van De Panne last season, this year I was on the list for E3 Harelbeke, Gent-Wevelgem and Tour of Flanders, which came as a reward for the hard work of the past months. It's a pity that I won't have the possibility to ride them, but the situation is as it is. Still, Etixx – Quick-Step has a strong squad for these races and I will support my teammates. The positive thing is that the recovery is going into the right direction. After I will return to training, I will discuss with the staff to see how's my schedule going to change and in what races I'll go."