With the first eight places already decided, a group of around 13 riders fought aggressively for ninth place, coming into the corner relatively hot.
Howson appeared to clip Greg van Avermaet's (BMC) wheel after the left hand turn onto the final straight, bringing down Pauwels and four other riders. The Australian and Pauwels were the worst affected.
Dimension Data confirmed the Belgian has a fractured right elbow. Howson fractured his right hand but vows to fight on.
"Everyone fighting for every position," Howson said. "I just got taken out. We weren’t racing for the win. I don’t know what happened.
“I felt there was something wrong with my hand and the scans were just as a confirmation. I don’t feel too much and I will be ready to line up again on Tuesday.”
