Rider update after Paris-Nice crashes

Paris-Nice's second stage was a high-risk one, with names like Alberto Contador (Astana) and Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank) caught up in the mix. Both Schleck and Contador escaped the carnage with shattered wheels, however Jose Angel Gomez Marchante wasn't so lucky having broken his arm.

"I've been talking to other riders about the broken arm and they have recommended not to rush the recovery because it is very delicate and important to mend well, to avoid future problems," said Marchante. "I hope that I will soon be able to roll, at least not to lose fitness."

Marchante wasn't the only rider to end the stage at hospital. Caisse d'Epargne's Imanol Erviti also had an X-ray, which revealed no broken bones despite his discomfort. Erviti is still expected to start tomorrow's stage.

"Fortunately for Frank he was not severely hurt, but leaves only one destroyed back wheel to the mechanics," said Saxo Bank's Kim Andersen.