Team Sky's Edvald Boasson Hagen has been ruled out of Paris-Roubaix on Sunday.
Norwegian star ruled out of classic
Despite initial progress with his Achilles injury, it hasn't been possible for Team Sky's Edvald Boasson Hagen to completely recover for this Sunday's Paris-Roubaix and he will now be replaced by Greg Henderson in the French race.
"We've assessed the situation regarding Edvald's injury from all possible angles after his two weeks of intensive treatment in Belgium and the conclusion is clear; he is not completely ready to race Paris-Roubaix," explained Team Principal Dave Brailsford.
"The most important thing, both long and short term, is Edvald's health and we would under no circumstances let him ride with an injury of this type, even if he would be able to compete in the race.
"He'll now have a significant amount of time to receive treatment, working with our team of doctors and physiotherapists, to get properly back on track for his next big goal, the Tour de France."
The next race scheduled for Boasson Hagen will be the Tour de Picardie from May 14 to 16.
Focus on the Tour
"I was really hoping to get ready for Roubaix and I'm thankful for the great effort the team has put into my rehabilitation," said Boasson Hagen.
"I stayed in Belgium with the team because we wanted to keep the decision open until today [Wednesday, when he had been set to ride at Scheldeprijs].
"Since I still have pain when I'm riding harder training rides, it's not realistic to go to one of the toughest races of the season. It's not easy to accept, but I'm very positive about overcoming this injury quickly and building to be a 100% ready for the Tour," added the 22-year-old Norwegian.
