The Vuelta a Pais Vasco has increased its number of rider accidents resulting in injuries. On Wednesday, Maxime Monfort (Cofidis) crashed together with Fränk Schleck (see separate story) and, like the Luxembourger, was taken to hospital. In Estella, Monfort's head wound was being cared for, and a collarbone fracture was diagnosed. The 23 year-old Belgian therefore will not be able to participate in the upcoming Ardennes Classics. After returning home on Thursday, he will receive surgery on Friday in Liège.
