Mourey, Vervecken hurting before Worlds

Francis Mourey (France) and Erwin Vervecken (Belgium), two of the major contenders for a podium at the World Championships in Hoogerheide this weekend, are trying to recover from back injuries in the days leading up to the race.

Mourey abandoned Sunday's race after feeling a sharp pain in his back before the start, not wanting to jeopardize his chance this weekend. He told AFP that he was able to train and was going to visit a physiotherapist to help identify the source of the pain. He still expects to travel to the Netherlands tomorrow and be on the line with his French team on Sunday. "This week, my priority will be on recovery to be 100% on Sunday."

Mourey's problems were compounded this week when his teammate Julien Belgy withdrew from the start list after suffering from an illness. He will not be replaced, so the French team will be down to four.

Vervecken crashed in Milan, throwing out his lower back and injuring his hip. According to Sporza.be, he has been treated by an osteopath for his back, but is still worried about the pain in his hip, but thinks he will be ship-shape in time for Sunday. "I am more concerned about the bruising on my left hip and muscle pain. But now I can train. Friday I will go to the osteopath again."