'It's going to suck to watch the Ardennes and not be a part of it' - Ben Healy takes immediate time off to recover from fractured sacrum sustained at Itzulia Basque Country

Ben Healy of EF Education–EasyPost will miss the upcoming Ardennes Classics, including the Amstel Gold Race, La Flèche Wallonne, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, due to a fractured sacrum sustained at the Itzulia Basque Country. The 25-year-old Irish rider, who has been a consistent contender in these races over the past three years, will take immediate time off to recover. Although the injury does not require surgery, Healy will rest for approximately two weeks before resuming training to prepare for the Tour de France. Healy’s injury occurred during a crash while reconnoitring the time trial route in Bilbao ahead of the Itzulia Basque Country race. Despite the fracture, he completed all six stages of the race, even earning the most combative rider prize on the queen stage. However, persistent stiffness and increasing pain after the event prompted medical scans that revealed a small, non-displaced fracture in the mid-sacral region. The EF Education–EasyPost medical team emphasised the importance of rest to avoid further complications and secondary injuries. The rider expressed his disappointment at missing the Ardennes Classics, describing it as “gutting” to watch from the sidelines rather than compete. Healy had targeted these one-day races since winter, having achieved podium finishes in previous editions, including second place at the 2023 Amstel Gold Race and a top-ten finish in all three events last year. With the injury sidelining him during this crucial period, his focus now shifts to recovery and returning to competition at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in early June. EF Education–EasyPost’s head doctor, Jon Greenwell, reassured fans and followers that the injury is manageable without surgery and that Healy’s return to riding will be carefully monitored based on pain levels. The sacrum fracture, while significant enough to require rest, is considered a minor bone injury, and once pain subsides, Healy is expected to resume full training. The team remains optimistic about his participation in the Tour de France, with recovery progress dictating the timeline. Healy’s situation highlights the physical risks inherent in professional cycling, especially during demanding stage races and reconnaissance efforts. His absence from the Ardennes will be felt by EF Education–EasyPost, given his strong performances in the Classics. However, prioritising long-term health and avoiding aggravation of the injury is crucial for sustaining his career and ambitions in the Grand Tours later this season.