Laurens De Plus and Petr Vakoc hit by truck: The QuickStep trio were out training when a truck, which the team says was speeding, hit them from behind with no warning. Bob Jungels was uninjured and has spoken about the crash.
QuickStep riders hit by speeding truck from behind
Two riders from QuickStep have been hospitalised after being hit by a truck while training.
Laurens De Plus and Petr Vakoc were riding in South Africa with Bob Jungels when they were hit.
The team released a statement saying the truck had been speeding. It confirmed the riders were in hospital.
“QuickStep Floors would like to inform that Laurens De Plus and Petr Vakoc are both in hospital, following an incident that took place on Thursday afternoon, in South Africa, during their daily training ride,” it said.
“The two, together with Bob Jungels, were on the road, when a truck came from behind and hit them, the collision sending them on the tarmac.
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“The riders – both conscious – were immediately attended by team trainer Koen Pelgrim.
“And soon they were transported to the Mediclinic Nelspruit. Laurens was diagnosed with multiple abrasions. And a minor pulmonary and kidney contusion, as consequence of the crash.
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“The Belgian will be kept under observation, but should be released from the hospital in a few days.
“Petr was less fortunate. The scans revealed several fractured vertebrae. (The injury) requires surgery that will be performed later today.
Bob Jungels said the trio had been taken by surprise. "The three of us were out training, when suddenly I heard a loud noise,” he said.
“And then in the following second I saw Laurens and Petr on the ground.
Help called for injured riders
“I did not see the truck coming from behind. But it must have hit them with the left front mirror or even the front left part.
“I ran to them and could see they were injured, so I did not dare to move them.
“A lady who was on the side of the road came and helped us, calling the ambulance, while our trainer Koen and I talked with them.
“It was really tough to see them like that and I hope they will get over this difficult moment soon. I wish them a fast recovery."
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