Cyclingflash
Pinarello-Q36.5 temporarily without new signing Chris Harper

Pinarello-Q36.5 temporarily without new signing Chris Harper

Pinarello-Q36.5 will be without Chris Harper for the coming period. The 31-year-old Australian, who transferred from Jayco AlUla, broke his collarbone in a crash at the UAE Tour and faces a rehabilitation period.

"Chris Harper was involved in a crash about forty kilometers from the finish of the sixth stage," his team reported in a press release. "The team had moved towards the front of the peloton to avoid potential problems before a left-hand corner, when a group of four to five riders went down. Chris suffered the worst impact and had to abandon the race."

No surgery
"Medical examination revealed that Chris has a lateral fracture of his right clavicle. The fracture is non-displaced and does not require surgery. He will undergo conservative treatment."

It is still unclear when Harper will be able to wear a race number again. "The duration of his recovery period will be assessed in the coming days based on his clinical progress," the team stated. "Further updates will follow as soon as they become available."

Harper has already completed 21 race days this season. The climber (who previously rode for Jumbo-Visma) started his cycling year on home soil with the Australian Championships and the Tour Down Under. In the latter race, he finished sixteenth in the overall classification. After that, he headed to the Middle East, competing in the Muscat Classic, Tour of Oman, and the UAE Tour.