Tom Boonen: In two seconds I realised my Classics season was over

Etixx - Quick-Step confirm that Boonen suffered a further compound fracture to his left radius as well as an AC-joint dislocation

Tom Boonen (Credit: Geoff Waugh)

(Image credit: waughphotos.com)

Tom Boonen says that he knew his Classics season was over as soon as he crashed on Monday's stage at Paris-Nice, as his team Etixx - Quick-Step confirm that he suffered a compound fracture to the head of his left radius on top of the initial grade three acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation.

The four-time Paris-Roubaix winner fell heavily after touching wheels with a teammate in a slow-paced stage one in the Race to the Sun. Boonen immediately sat-up clutching his left shoulder, and it was confirmed later on Monday, after he had abandoned the race, that he would need to have surgery to repair the dislocation, however the fracture would only require a cast.

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Richard Windsor

Follow on Twitter: @richwindy

Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.

An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).