Ben Healy blow as hidden fracture forces Ardennes Classics withdrawal

The EF Education-Easypost rider crashed during his recon of the opening time trial but continued racing after consulting with team medical staff. While the pain initially eased and Healy was able to complete the race, discomfort returned in the days after, prompting further examination. An MRI later confirmed the fracture, ruling him out of competition for three to four weeks.

“This week, Ben’s pain increased, so we decided to take him for an MRI,” said team doctor Jon Greenwell in a press release by the team. “The scans showed a non displaced sacral fracture that will not require surgery. Since he is unable to ride comfortably, we felt it was best for him to take time off to avoid any long term complications.”

Healy has not been able to ride since returning home from Itzulia and will now focus on recovery before gradually resuming training. The Irishman is expected to be back on the bike within two weeks, with a view to building towards his summer targets.

The 24-year-old had earmarked the Ardennes Classics as a key part of his spring, making the setback a significant blow. “It’s gutting,” Healy said. “I thought I was getting better during the race and that the damage wasn’t too bad. It was only when I got home that it really started to cause problems.”

In recent years, the Irishman has been a regular presence at the front in the Ardennes Classics, finishing third at Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 2025 and fourth in 2023, while also taking fifth at La Flèche Wallonne and tenth at Amstel Gold Race in 2025, as well as second at Amstel Gold Race in 2023.

Despite the setback, the outlook remains positive. Healy is targeting a return later in the season, with races such as the Tour Auvergne Rhône Alpes and the Tour de France still on his radar, depending on how his recovery progresses.