BRUSSELS, April 16, 2009 (AFP) – Australian cyclist Robbie McEwen revealed on Thursday that he suffered concussion but did not fracture any ribs after falling in the Grand Prix de l’Escaut in Schoten, Belgium.

“I have concussion, but my ribs, my collarbone and my pelvis are all intact,” he told the website of Belgian television station Sporza.

The Katusha rider landed heavily after coming off his bike in the closing stages of Wednesday’s race and initially expressed fears that he had broken some ribs.

“I also have a huge bump on my head,” he added. “My helmet broke into four pieces. I was really lucky. I’ll definitely have to wait a few days before getting back on the road.”

McEwen’s prognosis suggests he will be able to compete in the Tour of Italy on May 9-23.

The Australian fell after colliding with Belgium’s Greg Van Avermaet during a sprint finish that saw Italy’s Alessandro Petacchi cross the line first.

Belgium’s Tom Boonen, who won Sunday’s Paris-Roubaix, was also involved in the accident and will have an examination on a suspected fractured right foot on Thursday.

Photo’s by: CorVos Pro