Remco Evenepoel has recorded a bullish video message from his hospital bed, saying while he would come back slowly from his crash he was determined to be stronger than ever.
"The wolf pack never gives up," he added in reference to his Deceuninck-QuickStep team's self-styled pack mentality.
The 20-year-old suffered a horrendous crash at Il Lombardia on Saturday when he misjudged the descent of the Muro di Sormano, hitting a bridge and plunging off it.
He suffered a lung injury and a broken pelvis and any hope that he may make a tentative or token return to the peloton before the end of the season was dashed when he said his 2020 campaign was definitely over.
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However, cycling fans all over the world - not to mention his family and team - will be relieved to see his video message, recorded after he had been taken back to Belgium from Italy on a private jet and showing an upbeat and smiling rider.
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"I want to thank all the people who supported me and helped me in the last couple of hours, starting from the moment of the crash until now actually," he said in the video.
"Unfortunately my season is over so far but we have no rush. We have all the time to plan a good comeback. I want to thank the fans, you supported me so much. I could not answer all the messages because there were so many.
"I see everything and I feel everything. Know that your support touches me and will help me in a positive way. Me and the team are thinking positive and looking forward to next season.
"We'll take it really slow and calm and I'll do everything to become a better rider and become stronger than ever before."
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