The form rider of the early part of the season, big things were expected of Andre Greipel (Lotto-Belisol) over the coming months.

Six victories so far in 2014, and plenty more encouraging performances beside, had already seen the German marked as a major contender for Gent-Wevelgem, with the possibility of a leading role at the Tour of Flanders having proved himself to be no fool when it comes to powering over short, sharp ascents.

And Greipel was well on the way to proving that having been in a strong position to win Gent-Wevelgem late in the race.

But Greipel’s crash not only denied the 31-year-old a shot at victory – which given his form earlier in the season you would not have bet against – but it also throws into doubt the rest of his season’s goals.

The Gorilla will be desperate to get back to full fitness in time for the Tour de France, but team officials have already ruled him out until at least the summer, and with no guarantee of form come July, his return to the podium is far from certain.