As expected, the Ronde van Vlaanderen and its foul weather proved to be dangerous to the health and well-being of a number of racers. The slick cobblestones weren't the only danger on the 264-kilometre course. Saunier Duval-Scott rider Ángel "Litu" Gómez was one of the worst off, suffering a horrific crash with 60 kilometres to go. The Spaniard hit a traffic island and crashed dramatically. He was taken to a hospital in Oudenaarde, where X-rays showed he had fractured his right radius. He was expected to undergo surgery to repair the fracture Sunday night.
Gómez' team-mate, Frenchman Denis Flahaut was also present at the hospital, but was lucky to find he had not broken his elbow as was suspected. Also on the wounded list were Frenchman Sebastien Hinault (Credit Agricole), who received stitches in the face, Russian Vladimir Gusev (Astana) and the Italian Enrico Franzoi (Lampre).
