Albert out for two weeks

Niels Albert has been forced to rest for a few days after his fall at the opening cyclo-cross of the season in Neerpelt over the weekend. The rider fell shortly after the start but was able to finish the race.

"The X-ray shows that my sternum and ribs are bruised," the 22-year-old Palmans rider told Belgian news website Sporza. "Also my knee is twisted."

Albert attempted to return to riding after checkups on Monday, however the rider had limited success. "I am in a lot of pain at the moment," the Under 23 World Champion explained. "I tried to ride today but that wasn't a success."

The rider expects to be out for two weeks in time for the Zonhoven event. "I have to rest for three or four days," he said. "But in two weeks I hope to return to the top in Zonhoven. My condition is good, so that won't be a problem.

"I don't regret that," she added. "Thanks to the adrenaline I didn't feel much. Only towards the end did I start to feel the pain."

Sven Nys won the race in Neerpelt from long time rival, Bart Wellens.