It has been confirmed that Team Sky's Kurt-Asle Arvesen broke his collarbone after an accident at the start of stage two in the Tour of Qatar.

The hugely-experienced Arvesen, who is 35 on Tuesday, is the reigning Norwegian road race champion and belongs to an exclusive club of riders who have won stages in the three Grand Tours.

His debut in Team Sky colours came on Sunday when the squad won the Tour of Qatar's opening team time trial.

He suffered the injury less than 24 hours later, before the peloton had even exited the neutralised zone, with Arvesen explaining: "It was really an absurd kind of accident because it happened before the race proper had started.

"We were basically just getting ready to start racing when I let a guy go past me but it then got a bit narrow and I lost control of the bike and crashed to the ground.

"It's really unfortunate to break your collarbone at any time but especially now as I was just getting ready to start my year."

Recovery process

Arvesen was forced out of last year's Tour de France after fracturing his collarbone during stage 10 and he added: "The only good thing about this is that it is on the other side and hopefully the healing process will be as smooth as last time."

That process starts now as he will head back to Norway for treatment from the specialist who dealt with last year's injury.

And Arvesen underlined that he knows exactly what it takes to work his way back, saying: "I definitely still remember how to get back on my bike after an injury like this."