Remco Evenepoel Hospitalized After Training Crash in Belgium

Remco Evenepoel went to the hospital after a training crash in Oetingen, Belgium which caused several injuries. The 24-year-old Soudal-Quick Step rider fractured his rib, right shoulder blade and right hand, and also suffered contusions on both lungs and a dislocated collarbone. His team confirmed that doctors would perform surgery on his collarbone later that day.

Reports indicate that Evenepoel collided with an open door of a postal vehicle during the ride. Despite the severity of the crash, he stayed conscious and sent a message to his family, reassuring them of his condition. However, Evenepoel’s bike sustained significant damage with the frame breaking in two.

Soudal-Quick Step manager Patrick Lefevere joked that it’s better to break a bike than an arm, given the circumstances. Remco Evenepoel’s father, Patrick expressed hope for his son’s recovery, noting that Remco had already sent a message showing that he was in good spirits. The team later confirmed that Evenepoel would undergo surgery on his collarbone and they hoped he would leave the hospital by Wednesday.

After the surgery, doctors expect him to undergo two weeks of immobilization followed by a plan for his return to training. Evenepoel’s crash adds to the setbacks in his career, following a severe injury in 2020 when he fractured his pelvis at Il Lombardia. Despite that, he made a strong recovery claiming his first Grand Tour win at the 2022 Vuelta a España and finishing third in his debut Tour de France this year.

Fans now hope for another quick recovery as the Belgian cycling star aims to bounce back from this latest injury.