Michael Matthews set to miss major Spring Classics after training crash

His team, Team Jayco AlUla, confirmed the news shortly after the incident. Matthews was taken to hospital following the fall, where scans revealed the extent of the injuries.

“Unfortunately Michael Matthews crashed while training today and was taken to hospital,” the team said in a statement. “A CT scan has confirmed fractures to both of his wrists, which means he will not start in the upcoming races.”

The timing is particularly unfortunate. Matthews had been preparing to open his WorldTour campaign at Paris-Nice this Sunday, traditionally an important early season test ahead of the Classics.

Instead, the 35-year-old now faces a spell on the sidelines just as the spring calendar begins to intensify.

Matthews had made a promising start to his 2026 season after working his way back from a pulmonary embolism last year. In January he claimed victory at the Gran Premio Castellón, winning his first race of the year. Since then he had been training toward a block of major one-day races.

The injury now throws those plans into doubt. Milan-San Remo appears an immediate casualty, while a return in time for Tour of Flanders also looks unlikely given the nature of the injuries.

Matthews had also targeted the Ardennes Classics later in April, including the Amstel Gold Race and Liège–Bastogne–Liège, though it remains unclear whether those races will come too soon in his recovery.

For now, the focus is on rehabilitation. “Michael is in direct contact with the team’s medical staff and will receive extensive support to aid a swift recovery,” Jayco AlUla added. 

A timeline for his return has not yet been announced.