Arnaud De Lie escapes serious injuries after crash at Antwerp Port Epic

Belgian champion Arnaud De Lie (Lotto) has escaped serious injury following his crash at the Antwerp Port Epic, with scans confirming no fractures, allowing the rider to maintain his upcoming race schedule.

The 23-year-old crashed heavily into a post during Monday's race, initially attempting to continue before withdrawing due to significant pain in his right arm that required hospital examination.

"I just spoke to Arnaud, and he thinks he will be fine. He will have scans tomorrow for precaution, but it looks good. There is no reason to panic," Lotto sporting manager Kurt Van de Wouwer said immediately after the incident.

According to Het Nieuwsblad, those precautionary scans have now confirmed the Belgian escaped without fractures, clearing him to participate in the Tour de Suisse, which begins on June 15 and runs until June 22. There are some stages that are primed for a versatile sprinter such as De Lie, and if he has recovered well, the Belgian could be a contender for a stage win or two.

The positive medical update ensures De Lie's preparations for the Tour de France (July 5-27) remain on track, with the Belgian also set to defend his national title in Binche before tackling La Grande Boucle, where De Lie will no doubt have ambitions of winning a stage.