Team Jayco AlUla leader Michael Matthews will miss upcoming races after suffering fractures to both wrists in a training crash on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The 35-year-old Australian cyclist was immediately transferred to hospital following the incident, bringing a sudden halt to a promising start to the season.
The news is a significant blow to both Matthews and the Jayco AlUla team, particularly as he had recently secured a victory at the Gran Premio Castellón. He was slated to compete in Paris-Nice, an eight-day WorldTour event, beginning on Sunday, but will now focus on recovery. The team confirmed the extent of the injuries via CT-scan results, stating that Matthews will be sidelined from all upcoming competitions.
Details of the Injury and Recovery
Medical staff have confirmed fractures to both of Matthews’ wrists, necessitating a period of rest and rehabilitation. Although a specific timeline for his return has not been announced, the team has emphasized their commitment to providing Matthews with “extensive support to aid a swift recovery.” The team is in direct contact with Matthews and will closely monitor his progress.
This injury comes after a strong start to the 2026 season for Matthews, who demonstrated his form with a win at the Gran Premio Castellón. The Paris-Nice race represented a key early-season objective for the Australian rider and his absence will undoubtedly impact the team’s strategy for the event.
Recent Health Concerns for Matthews
This latest setback adds to recent health challenges for Matthews. In June 2025, the cyclist was forced to pause his career after showing signs of a pulmonary embolism during an altitude training camp, ruling him out of the 2025 Tour de France. A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, often caused by a blood clot. According to the NHS, symptoms can include sudden breathing difficulties and chest pain. At the time, the team confirmed his health condition was stable and they were investigating the cause.
Prior to the pulmonary embolism diagnosis, Matthews had also faced a period of uncertainty regarding his health. In 2023, he paused his career after signs of a pulmonary embolism, as reported by Cycling Weekly. This earlier incident involved a similar precautionary pause in physical activity while medical professionals assessed the situation.
GreenEDGE Cycling shared a medical update on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the current situation:
🏥 MEDICAL UPDATE 🏥
The team has not yet provided details regarding the circumstances of the training crash that led to the wrist fractures. However, they have assured fans that Matthews is receiving the best possible care and support.
What’s Next
The immediate focus is on Matthews’ recovery and rehabilitation. The team will provide further updates as they develop into available. His absence from the racing calendar will be felt, but the priority remains his long-term health and a safe return to competition. The cycling world wishes Matthews a speedy recovery and looks forward to his return to the sport.
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