Dutch rider Bobbie Traksel (MrBookmaker.com) has had to undergo an operation to remove the cartilage from his knee, according to ANP. Traksel has been unable to ride for several weeks because of the injury, and has been forced to miss the spring season. "I couldn't watch the Ronde van Vlaanderen [on TV]," said Traksel. "It was painful not being there. Paris-Roubaix yes, but that is not quite my race."
Traksel injured himself after crashing in the Etoile de Bessèges, and after physiotherapy and cortisone treatment had little effect, he chose to have the operation. He won't be able to train for another week and a half, but hopes to be back racing in six weeks time.
