Remco Evenepoel has said he faces a month of inactivity following his crash while training in Belgium that resulted in fractures to his hand, shoulder blade and rib and the dislocation of his right clavicle.
The Olympic TT and road race champion said he was in more pain follow the training crash, after hitting the door of a postal van apparently opened into his path, than after his crash at Itzulia Basque Country (2.UWT) in April, after which he missed two months of racing.
Because he had torn a lot of ligaments, the injuries were more complicated and would take time to recover from, though he sounded determined, adding "the recovery starts here".
Related News
"After a scary accident on training yesterday, I underwent surgery last night and everything went well," Evenepoel said. "With a fracture to my rib, shoulder blade, hand, contusions to my lungs and a dislocation of my right clavicle which has caused all surrounding ligaments to be torn, it's going to be a long journey.
Advertisement
"But I’m fully focused on my recovery and I’m determined to come back stronger, step by step. I’m very grateful for all the help and support I received the last 24 hours. From the emergency services, the neighbours that helped me in the first moment, the medical teams in Anderlecht and Herentals and our team doctor Phil Jansen.
"Also a special mention for my wife, my family for standing by me in these difficult moments and to everyone for their supportive messages. I also want to express my support to the woman who was involved in the accident."
The crash is a major blow to the Belgian and his Soudal QuickStep team, though the time of year means he still has months to recover and get back into shape for the spring.
