Kiwi had been a regular at the race in recent years; Lotto Belisol team-mate De Clerq also off bike
He’s competed in the Santos Tour Down Under every year since 2008 but Greg Henderson will be forced to miss the upcoming edition and take a new approach to his season after he underwent surgery this week.
Henderson’s Lotto Belisol team has confirmed that the rider underwent knee surgery on Monday in order to treat prepatellar friction syndrome, which is irritation of the tendon at the level of the patella.
He had tried to address the wear and tear issue in recent weeks but that was unsuccessful, making it necessary to take more direct action.
“The treatments and the rest he took in the past weeks didn't have the desired result,” stated Lotto Belisol. “Because of the surgery Henderson will miss the season's start.”
It has not indicated when he will be able to begin racing.
Also sidelined at this point in time is Bart De Clercq, although he will face less of a disruption. Having injured himself during teambuilding exercises last week, he underwent an X-ray last Friday.
This didn’t show a fracture but, after experiencing pains at the start of this week, he underwent a second examination yesterday. The CT scan he took revealed the rib fracture.
No operation is necessary but he has to take time away from the bike to allow the injury to continue healing. He has been given the green light to resume training when the symptoms lessen.