Lotto-Intermarché injury list continues to grow

Lotto-Intermarché is currently going through a rough patch. The Belgian fusion team has already seen several key riders drop out in recent weeks, and now Lionel Taminiaux is also sidelined.

The 29-year-old Belgian broke his collarbone last Sunday in a crash at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. "He is allowed to fly back, but will undergo surgery after arriving in Belgium. We wish Lionel a speedy recovery," Lotto-Intermarché posted on X to encourage their fast Taminiaux.

Another setback
This is another blow for the team so early in the season. Earlier, the squad had to let go of their GC contender Lennert Van Eetvelt after a severe crash forced him to abandon the Santos Tour Down Under. An MRI scan of his shoulder showed no serious joint damage. However, the climber suffered ‘serious abrasions’ and will be out of action indefinitely.

Moreover, the team currently can’t count on their secondary leader Jenno Berckmoes (who wasn’t fully fit, causing a delayed season start), Jonas Rutsch (serious abrasions after a crash in the Tour Down Under), and Lars Craps (who must undergo surgery again due to a new knee injury).

https://www.wielerflits.be/nieuws/na-de-ene-knie-nu-de-andere-lars-craps-zit-jaar-later-weer-met-dezelfde-blessure/

On the upside, Arnaud De Lie will make his season debut in just over two weeks. The team’s clear leader struggled with an ankle injury leading up to the new season but has since resumed training. His race schedule is therefore not expected to be disrupted.