Philippe Gilbert has undergone surgery after he and a team mate were targeted by two drunk men in a car while they were training in Belgium (Photo: Sirotti)
Former world champion Philippe Gilbert has had his Ardennes Classics plans thrown into doubt after his finger was broken in an altercation with an allegedly intoxicated driver.
The BMC rider was out training in Belgium with team mate Loïc Vliegen yesterday, Friday, when the incident occurred, according to a statement from the team.
It confirmed Gilbert’s finger was fractured and that he has already had surgery on it.
The statement explained what happened: “Gilbert was training with Loïc Vliegen in Belgium when the two riders were targeted by two intoxicated men in a car.
“One of the men stepped out of the car and acted aggressively towards Vliegen and Gilbert, fracturing Gilbert’s middle finger on his left hand in the process.”
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BMC’s chief medical doctor Max Testa added: “Philippe was taken to hospital and underwent surgery to have five pins inserted to secure three small fractures in his middle finger.
“He is otherwise fine but will need to take a day or two off the bike.
“After the weekend we should have a better idea of the impact this will have on his Ardennes Classics campaign, but at this stage he should be fine to race. Luckily Loïc was not injured in the altercation.”
Gilbert said was shocked by what had happened.
“I’m not feeling too bad at all. More than anything I am shocked that this happened as you don’t expect anything like this to take place when you head out for a training ride.”
The team said its understanding was that both men who targeted the riders were arrested by the Belgian police.
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