Bjorn Leukemans will miss the Ardennes Classics
Bjorn Leukemans of Team Vacansoleil-DCM crashed during the Tour of Flanders which ruined his chances for the coming events of the season.
The cyclist injured his knee and had to abandon the Paris-Roubaix, he finished fourth during the 2007 version of the race.
It has now been revealed by the team that, Bjorn will not be a part of the Dutch team for the three coming Ardennes Classics.
Leukemans wrote on his personal website, “The specialist gave my knee a comprehensive examination”.
“He came to the conclusion that surgery is not necessary because no tear to the meniscus was found”.
“The cartilage in the knee was strained by the sudden stop at the foot of the famous Paterberg, hence the fluid that was building up during training efforts”.
“The opinion of the specialist is that I can now start to build my training up easily, starting with an hour a day. In the circumstances, this is the best news I could get…”
“If the recovery goes smoothly, I can minimize the damage”.
The cyclist rode brilliantly during the past season and showed superb results at the Amstel Gold race and the Liege-Bastogne-Liege with his 7th and 9th place finishes at the event.
The 34-year-old started his professional pursuit with Team Vlaanderen in 2000 and spent a period of two years with the side.
He accepted an offer from Team Palmans for the 2002 and 2004 seasons and finally joined Team Davitamon-Lotto for 2005-07 seasons.
Bjorn penned a deal with Team Vacansoleil in 2009 and is continuing his fourth consecutive season with the team.
His 2011 accomplishments include the first place finish at the Tour du Limousin including the stage 1 victory at the race.
The Belgian claimed back to back victories at the Druivenkoers-Overijse during 2010 and 2011 editions of the race.
Team Vacansoleil-DCM is having a good season and has already filled its bag with five wins in the young season.
Leukemans’ return at the top level of the sport is not certain but the cyclist is determined to get back on his bike to make up for the lost time.
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