AG2R La Mondiale's Mickaël Chérel collided with a truck during training and suffered several injuries. The Frenchman hit the vehicle head on, as the truck had stopped on the descent of the Col du Tanneron in south east France.

He suffers from whiplash and will not be able to participate in the upcoming Tour Down Under. He will be replaced by Mathieu Perget.

Mickaël Chérel was unlucky. He will have to rest for at least ten days, and will then go to a medical examinations that will decide when he can return to competition.

He will, however, be able to come to the team's last pre-season training camp in Aups, South-East France, from January 11-20.