Dutch time trial champion Stef Clement (Rabobank) will be taking an extended period away from top-level competition to concentrate on fixing long-term foot and back injuries. Clement will be following a rehabilitation plan set by team doctor Peter Van Esseveldt; he will be expected to miss both the Dutch road championships at the end of June and the Tour de France in July.
“Stef will return when he is healthy and worry free,” said Rabobank manager Erik Breukink.
Clement has had a mixed season to date; he finished 6th overall in the Vuelta a Murcia in March but struggled in last week’s Tour of California, abandoning on stage 6 to Big Bear Lake. “I and pleased to have been given the time and space by the team to work intensively on my nasty and longstanding injuries,” said Clement.