Kennaugh injured in Italy, Nicholson fourth at Eddie Soens

Manx cyclist Peter Kennaugh has suffered a big blow at the start of his first season as a professional rider.

The 20-year-old Team Sky rider broke his left collarbone in a crash 70km from the finish of the Montepaschi Strade Bianche race in Siena, northern Italy.

The news on his injury was good though, Kennaugh suffered a clean break so surgery wasn't deemed necessary.

He will head back to the Isle of Man to recuperate, and a Team Sky spokesman said he would not be rushed back into action.

Meanwhile, Team Manx Telecom rider Chris Nicholson finished in an excellent fourth position in the Eddie Soens Memorial race at Aintree on Merseyside on Saturday morning.

Another Manx youngster, Tom Black, came 63rd, a lap behind the leaders.