Remco Evenepoel has been given the all clear to resume training some six months after a frightening crash. Photo: Dario Belingheri/BettiniPhoto
Belgian phenom Remco Evenepoel has been given the all clear to resume training some six months after a frightening crash nearly ended his career.
Evenepoel, who celebrated his 21st birthday in late January, crashed during the Il Lombardia one-day monument in mid-August last year and hasn’t been seen in action since.
While descending the Muro di Sormano, he collided with a low wall on the side of a bridge and somersaulted over it, falling several metres below the road.
In many ways he was lucky to escape with “only” a fractured pelvis and a right lung contusion.
Evenepoel’s Deceuninck-Quick-Step team today confirmed that tests revealed his injuries had healed sufficiently to commence with training.
No return date to competitive action was provided.
A delighted Evenepoel said, “I am obviously really happy that I can get back on my bike and ride again.
“For now, I have to take it step by step and depending on my progress we can decide my future programme, but the main thing is I am making progress.”
Evenepoel represents the next big hope in Belgian cycling, following in the illustrious footsteps of riders like Eddy Merckx and Tom Boonen, among many others.
