Michael Matthews breaks both wrists and looks set to miss the Spring Classics

Matthews had only raced during the Spanish early-season block in January, where he immediately delivered with victory at the GP Castellón. After that week of racing, he returned to training — and that is where it went wrong. “Unfortunately, Michael Matthews crashed today (Thursday, March 5) and was taken to hospital,” his team reported on social media.

The damage is significant. “The team’s medical staff has confirmed that a CT scan has shown fractures in both wrists, meaning he will not start in any of the upcoming races.” Jayco AlUla did not specify exactly which events those are, but it is safe to assume Milan–Sanremo is off the table — and the bigger question now is what this means for the rest of his spring.

The Australian veteran, who turns 36 later this year, would normally also be expected to start the Tour of Flanders. That race now looks too soon, but it remains unclear whether the all-rounder will also have to skip the Ardennes Classics. Amstel Gold Race and Liège–Bastogne–Liège were major goals for Matthews, and those races take place on April 19 and April 26 respectively. Whether that timeline is realistic has not been communicated.