Matteo Jorgenson gave a joking update after his heavy crash at the Amstel Gold Race

It was perhaps the worst-case scenario for Visma | Lease a Bike at the Amstel Gold Race: team leader Matteo Jorgenson crashed in the finale and broke his collarbone, ruling him out not only of the Dutch classic but of the remaining Ardennes classics too. The American has since posted his own update.

The finale of the Amstel Gold Race had barely got going after Romain Grégoire launched a sharp acceleration, bringing five big names to the front. But things fell apart quickly. INEOS Grenadiers' Kévin Vauquelin slid out in a fast corner, and that would ultimately bring Jorgenson down too.

The American hit the ground hard and lay there for a long time. That his race was over was clear almost immediately. You always hope it turns out to be less serious than it looks — but unfortunately that wasn't the case: Jorgenson broke his collarbone and will miss both the Flèche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège.

It is a significant blow for Visma | Lease a Bike, who had earmarked the American as their main leader for the Ardennes Classics block. Sports director Frans Maassen expressed his disappointment. "We had high expectations for this race and were well prepared. Everyone could see that Matteo was in great form, so it's very frustrating that our race ended this way. As a team, we were well positioned throughout. The goal was to be among the first to crest the Gulperberg and the Kruisberg. He looked fresh on those climbs, but unfortunately he crashed shortly afterward. That's extremely disappointing."

On Monday evening, Jorgenson posted his own update on Instagram, confirming that the operation had gone well. "Mission bionic arm successful," the American wrote with his characteristic humour, alongside a photo of himself pointing one arm in the air while the other arm sits tucked inside his jersey.

"Thanks everyone for all the messages," Jorgenson continued. "I feel the love. Shit happens and that's what makes life beautiful. Onwards!"