Philippe Gilbert to miss the rest of Ardennes Classics

Gilbert ordered to rest after a minor tear in his kidney in a crash at Amstel Gold

Four-time winner of the Dutch race was suffering from pain on his right side after a crash at the Amstel Gold. He went to the hospital for examinations that determined that he has a minor right kidney tear that requires a week of rest.

"When I crashed, I felt pain, but once I remounted and continued the race things became better and better and the pain disappeared," said Gilbert. "Unfortunately, after the finish, the lower back pain returned, so together with the team doctor I decided to go to the hospital for a check-up. Fortunately, it’s nothing serious, and if everything goes well, in a week I will start training again."

Gilbert is one of three riders to win the Tour of Flanders and Amstel Gold Race in the same season "It’s one of my best years and looking behind on what I achieved makes me very happy. To be competitive in both the cobbled and the Ardennes Classics and to help the team be the best in the world brings me a lot of satisfaction."

"It’s sad I won’t be there for the remaining races of this week, because I was in great condition, but our squad is a strong one and I’m confident other good results will follow," he added.

Gilbert remained in hospital after the Amstel Gold race for observation for 24 hours before going home.