Kennaugh fractures collarbone on Siena's gravel roads

Sky lost another rider to a fractured collarbone today in Siena, Italy. Just as Kurt-Asle Arvesen is making his way back from a crash at the Tour of Qatar, Brit Peter Kennaugh is on his way out after a crash in Strade Bianche.

"He's in hospital now," said Sports Director Marcus Ljungqvist after the race. "It's bad news, but that's how it is. He's a strong little guy, he'll be back."

Kennaugh fractured his left collarbone at kilometre 90 of the 190-kilometre Italian semi-classic, which is held partially over rolling, gravel roads. In fact, he went down in the third of eight gravel sectors.

His crash came one month after Arvesen crashed in Tour of Qatar's second stage. The Norwegian returns to racing this Wednesday at the Tirreno-Adriatico.

Despite the crash, Sky placed both Thomas Löfkvist and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad winner, Juan Antonio Flecha, in the day's winning move. Löfkvist worked free in the final kilometre up to Siena's city centre, but could not stop winner Maxim Iglinsky (Astana). Flecha finished eighth.

"It was both good and bad today," added Ljungqvist. "The guys were really strong and showed they deserve to be up there. Thomas was second, which is good, close to the double [repeating 2009's win] and Flecha is showing good form again."

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