Lawson Craddock's day at the E3 Saxo Bank Classic came to an end before it even started, as the American rider fell during the pre-race awards ceremony in Harelbeke.

Craddock fell to the ground and healed his wounds after seemingly crashing after BikeExchange-Jayco was introduced to the crowd at the start.

Craddock looked happy on stage, but things quickly changed after he rolled down the ramp behind the podium. He was photographed lying on the ground along with the sloping plastic cover that holds the TV cable. The Australian team explained to Cycling News that he had lost his balance when he went over the ramp.

"As I was pulling away from the team presentation, I was trying to get over some of the cable covers, and that's when my rear wheel went into the air and I went over the handlebars and landed with my hands right under my chest," Craddock explained. [I immediately felt a lot of pain in my chest and hands. I tried to ride again, but I couldn't grab the handlebars or stand up. So in that situation, it was better to play it safe and not take the start."

Craddock was then taken to a hospital in Warehem, where X-rays confirmed that he had broken bones in his hand.

"It's a real shame. The Classic was over before it even started," Craddock said.

"I went to the hospital and got an x-ray, which confirmed a fracture of the fifth metacarpal. I was motivated and was looking forward to the tracing. Now I have to re-evaluate for the future and figure out what to do from here."

Craddock had set his sights on the Cobbled Classics in his first season with Bike Exchange Jayco. In his absence, the Australian team continued to ride with six riders, led by Luke Durbridge.