Australian Robbie McEwen (Katusha) will have to sit out tomorrow's Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne after injuring his knee during today's Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. McEwen has ridden well since recovering from his bad crash in last year’s Tour of Belgium, putting in a strong performance in the recent Santos Tour Down Under and following it up with a win in the Trofeo Mallorca.
There were initially some questions about whether he’d be able to return to racing, but he’s worked hard and shown incredible determination. The 37 year old came into the 2010 season motivated to get back to his winning ways.
“After being on the sidelines for more than half of last season, I am really hungry for the bike,” he told DH.be earlier this month. “And I am as hungry for victories. 2009 was very difficult to live, mentally. But I’m hooked. It made me realize how much I love my job, and how much I missed my sport, as well as the competition. I also missed feeling like an athlete, in good physical condition.
“Before my accident, I saw myself continuing up to 40 years of age, even if that is a question of motivation, and much can vary depending on circumstances. But having missed the bike so much last year, I would not mind extending it even longer! At least both Armstrong and Voigt are still there, so I am not the oldest in the peloton.”
Now the seasoned veteran is facing another setback in his fight to again become one of the top sprinters in cycling.
"Half way through the race he fell and hit the inside of his knee against his stem in a corner," explained Katusha team manager Bart Leysen to De Telegraaf. "After the race he could hardly stand upright. Both the team and Robbie did not want to risk it, so he will rest until he visits a doctor. We don't know how long it will be until he can race again."
McEwen was planning on taking part in the Strade Bianche Eroica on March 6, then the Tirreno-Adriatico stage race (March 11-17) to build-up for Milan-SanRemo (March 20). He had then planned to race the Dwars Door Vlaanderen (March 24) which comes four days before Gent-Wevelgem.