Remco Evenepoel braced for 'long journey' back after undergoing surgery following crash - 'The comeback starts now'
Published 04/12/2024 at 10:28 GMT
Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) has undergone surgery following a "scary accident" on a training ride. The double Olympic champion has posted an update on social media and says he has a "long journey" ahead but is "fully focused on my recovery and determined to come back stronger, step by step". Evenepoel won two gold medals at the Paris Olympic Games.
'An iconic image' - Evenepoel with memorable celebration after sealing double gold
Video credit: TNT Sports
Remco Evenepoel says "the comeback starts now" after undergoing surgery following a "scary accident".
Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) was taken to hospital on Tuesday after crashing while on a training ride in Belgium.
The Olympic champion was knocked to the ground and suffered several injuries, including fractures to a rib and contusions to his lungs.
He posted a message on social media on Wednesday morning from a hospital bed with his arm in a sling.
"The comeback starts now," he wrote. "After a scary accident on training yesterday, I underwent surgery last night and everything went well.
"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 but I’m fully focused on my recovery and I’m determined to come back stronger, step by step.Â
"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.Â
"I also want to express my support to the woman who was involved in the accident."
According to reports, Evenepoel crashed into an open door of a postal vehicle while on the training ride.
Evenepoel has not yet confirmed his schedule for 2025 but has said he might consider riding the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France.
He only rode one of the three Grand Tours in 2024 as he focused his efforts on the Olympics, where he won two gold medals.
He became the first male rider in history to win the cycling road race and time trial at a single Olympic Games.
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Stream the 2025 cycling season, including the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes, live on discovery+
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