Philippe Gilbert has suffered a fractured finger after being ‘targeted’ by two intoxicated men in a car while out on a training ride. A statement on BMC’s website says the Belgian has undergone surgery and will be back on his bike in a day or two.

Gilbert was out with Loic Vliegen in Belgium when they encountered the men. Gilbert has been known to confront spectators if he feels they have endangered riders’ safety, but the report states only: “One of the men stepped out of the car and acted aggressively towards Vliegen and Gilbert, fracturing Gilbert’s middle finger on his left hand in the process.”

The two men are understood to have been arrested at the time of the incident.

BMC Racing Team Chief Medical Officer Doctor Max Testa said:

“Philippe was taken to hospital and underwent surgery to have five pins inserted to secure three small fractures in his middle finger. He is otherwise fine but will need to take a day or two off the bike.

“After the weekend we should have a better idea of the impact this will have on his Ardennes Classics campaign, but at this stage he should be fine to race. Luckily Loïc was not injured in the altercation.”

Gilbert himself said: “I’m not feeling too bad at all. More than anything I am shocked that this happened as you don’t expect anything like this to take place when you head out for a training ride.”