Thomas Voeckler’s spring schedule and Ardennes Classics ambitions were quenched by a bad crash he suffered some 92 km from the finish of the Amstel Gold Race.

Europcar’s team leader was in a group of riders caught up in a huge crash in the peloton and was severely affected. Voeckler abandoned the race and was transported to hospital, where the seriousness of his injuries was evaluated.

Initial rumours speculated that Voeckler had broken his femur but a team statement spoke of a fracture in Voeckler’s shoulder area.

Even if doctors may strengthen the area with pins, it will still take Voeckler some time to recuperate. He appears likely to miss at least several weeks of competitive racing, but with two and a half months to go until the Tour de France, his main objective of the season, he could well have sufficient time to build up good form for that race.