Crashes are common in the Ronde van Vlaanderen and this year was no exception, with several riders sustaining injuries.
Caisse d'Epargne reported that its rider Vicente García Acosta broke the head of his left radius bone. García Acosta fell after 140 kilometres and was transferred to the hospital Elisabeth in Zottegem. The diagnosis was confirmed there and a cast put on his left arm. The rider was able to go to the team's hotel in the evening.
Less lucky was Frank Høj (Saxo Bank) who broke his collarbone midway through the race. He was also transferred to a hospital in Zottegem. Directeur Sportif Lars Michaelsen indicated on the team's website that the Spring Classics are over for Høj. "Frank is now being operated on his right collarbone. It's such a shame that he can't take part in the upcoming races because he was in really good condition and could have helped us ... today, and Sunday in Paris-Roubaix."
Thor Hushovd was almost at the finish line when he crashed in Meerbeke. The Norwegian of the Cervélo TestTeam broke his wrist.
