Wildcard team Cofidis's hopes of success in the Tour de France suffered a huge blow on Wednesday morning when it was revealed that Nacer Bouhanni would miss the race with a hand injury.
The French sprinter reportedly injured his right hand when he punched a drunken hotel guest after an altercation ahead of the National Championships on Sunday.
Bouhanni was taken to hospital for treatment, but according to the team his injuries were not sufficiently treated and the 25-year-old required surgery on Tuesday.
Given that the French team was built around Bouhanni, with a strong lead-out train ready to work for the sometimes volatile rider on the flat stages, Bouhanni's absence will cause a few headaches.
He will be replaced by Nicolas Edet - a climber, who will join the likes of Daniel Navarro and Arnold Jeannesson in targeting stage wins in the mountains.
Geoffrey Soupe is likely to take over the sprint duties but probably won't be a threat to the big-name fast men.
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
-
-
Remco Evenepoel set for Grand Place celebrations after hero's welcome home
Message from Sir Dave Brailsford suggests Ineos Grenadiers are also interested in the world champion
-
BikeExchange safe from WorldTour relegation, no more 'scrapping over points to the death'
"The points system is clearly broken" says Matt White, team's head directeur sportif
-
‘It’s always the same, the rider who wins the Tour, no one believes it’: Christophe Laporte says nothing changes with suspicion in cycling
Laporte won stage 19 at the Tour de France but says some are still quick to doubt his progress
-
The Giro Donne starts on Monday for German climber Koppenburg
The Cofidis rider is looking to banish nerves after returning from a serious crash at last year’s race
-
Belgian pro criticises Elia Viviani's lead-out after he was 'sandwiched' in sprint
The Belgian came out of Viviani's wheel late to dart for the line but had to brake to avoid Consonni
-
