Mathieu Van der Poel's summer is becoming complicated, and once again - as in Tokyo 2020 - mountain bike is to blame. The Dutch rider was victim of a double crash in the race at Nové Mesto and suffered a small wrist fracture.

Precisely, MVDP - who restarted after the two crashes but eventually withdrew - immediately flew to Brussels to be examined at Herentals Hospital: he was diagnosed with a small scaphoid fracture, accompanied by a ligament injury of the wrist.

He will not need surgery because the fracture is not displaced, but this type of injury requires patience and careful monitoring. The prognosis for resuming training and racing depends on how swelling and pain develop in the coming days.

Obviously, Van der Poel will not go to La Plagne where he had planned to undergo a high-altitude training camp. A new check will be performed at the end of the week and there could be more clarity about his participation in the Dauphiné, which is now very much in doubt, and the Tour de France.