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Michael Matthews is getting even worse luck than Wout van Aert.
The Aussie fan favorite will miss the next block of racing after he fractured both his wrists in a crash while out training on Thursday.
The setback comes not long after “Bling” Matthews missed the Tour de France and several months of last summer when he was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism which could have proven fatal.
Matthews’ team Jayco-AlUla confirmed the news Thursday:
“Unfortunately Michael Matthews suffered a crash whilst out training today, Thursday 5th March, and was transferred to hospital.
“Team medical staff have confirmed that CT-scan results show fractures to both of his wrists, subsequently ruling him out of all upcoming races.
“He is in direct contact with team medical staff and will have extensive support to aid a swift recovery.”
The timing couldn’t be much worse for the 35-year-old, who had been slated to ride Paris-Nice next week before he chased an elusive victory at his beloved Milan-San Remo on March 21.
“Bling” has hit the podium three times on the Via Roma and twice finished fourth.
And worse still, Matthews looked to have gotten his legs back under him after a long time on the sidelines in 2025. His January victory at the Gran Premio Castellón suggested his harrowing experience of last summer was long behind him.
It’s not yet clear when Matthews will return to racing.
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