Following his splendid performances at the QP Quebec and Paris-Nice last editions, there was no surprise that Artur Vichot targeted Ardennes classics as one of his most important objectives for 2014 season. Unfortunately, a knee pain which forced the 25-year old French national champion out of the Vuelta al Pais Vasco and to withdraw from the hilly events taking place in the Benelux turned out more persistent than expected, what significantly delays his planned return to competition.

In a statement released last Thursday, the FDJ.fr suggested that Vichot should return to competition at the Tour de Romandie, held from April 29th, but according to the French media the 25-year old rider will be forced to undergo a rest period extended to almost one month, with the Bayern Rundfahrt, held from May 28th being scheduled as his next appearance.