Albert faces long pause

Niels Albert, 22, faces time off bike

Niels Albert, 22, faces time off bike (Image credit: Cyclingnews.com)

Niels Albert received the news from doctors that he cannot train outside on his bike for six weeks. The Belgian cyclo-cross rider will have no chance for the Superprestige title, GVA trophy or World Cup, and looks unlikely to ride either the Belgian or world championships.

Albert's manager Christoph Roodhooft said Albert may be able to start riding on the roller at home in two weeks, but probably won't have enough time to get in shape for the championships. "The season is not entirely over, but almost," he said to sportwereld.be. "Niels can decide himself when he will train outside again, but I don't want to take any risks." (SW)