Julian Alaphilippe is set to remain in hospital in Belgium due to the “complexity” of the injuries he sustained during the major crash at Liège–Bastogne–Liège. He is now in a battle to recover and regain condition in the hope of riding the Tour de France.
While his QuickStep-Alpha Vinyl team mate Ilan Van Wilder, who broke his jaw during the crash, has undergone surgery and been allowed out of hospital in Belgium to return home, world champion Alaphilippe must remain under observation.
“Ilan underwent an operation to correct the damage sustained to his jaw, which was performed by Dr Pieter-Jan Van Bever,” QuickStep Alpha Vinyl said in a statement offering an update on both riders.
“The doctors where happy with how the procedure went and he has returned home for a period of recuperation. Unfortunately, the nature of the injury and procedure means that he will be unable to take part in the forthcoming Giro d’Italia.
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“As previously reported, Julian sustained two broken ribs, a broken scapula and a hemo pneumothorax. The complexity of his condition means that a period of further observation will be required before a recovery pathway will be decided. He will remain in the hospital in Herentals for the time being.
“Everyone from Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl would like to thank the medical team at Herentals for the care shown to Ilan and Julian.”
Both Alaphilippe and Van Wilder were among a large number of riders who crash on a descending section of Sunday's race with just over 60km to go. While most of the riders were able to remount and continue, many abandoned or were unable to carry on due to their injuries.
Romain Bardet (Team DSM) spotted Alaphilippe, who had crashed off the road and down into undergrowth, and has since said the world champion was unable to breathe or speak.
