Ben Healy out of Ardennes Classics with injury

EF Education-EasyPost’s Ardennes Classics ambitions have been significantly curtailed with the announcement that Ben Healy will miss the entire trio of races. The Irish talent, a key figure for the American outfit, sustained a small sacral fracture during last week's Itzulia Basque Country, an injury that regrettably went undiagnosed until recently. This unfortunate setback removes one of the peloton’s most aggressive and promising riders from the upcoming Liege-Bastogne-Liege, Flèche Wallonne, and Amstel Gold Race.

Healy’s absence is particularly poignant given his breakout 2023 season, where he animated these very races, securing a remarkable second place at Amstel Gold and fourth at Liege. His aggressive, often solo, riding style had marked him as a genuine contender for podium finishes, if not outright victories, this spring. For EF Education-EasyPost, already navigating a challenging season, losing their primary Classics protagonist leaves a significant void, forcing a rapid recalibration of their strategies and leadership for the hilly races.

Another promising spring campaign derailed by the unforgiving nature of professional cycling. One can only hope for a swift and complete recovery, allowing Healy to return to the form that captivated audiences last year.