Another heavy fall at the spring classic Liège-Bastogne-Liège – and a very prominent victim.
French cycling world champion Julian Alaphilippe (29) was seriously injured in a mass crash. Alaphilippe broke a shoulder blade and two ribs in Sunday’s fall with 62 kilometers to go.
He also sustained a lung injury.
This was announced by his team Quick Step in the evening. “His condition is stable, but he has to remain in the hospital for observation,” the statement said.
Photo: picture alliance/dpa/BELGA
” data-zoom-src=”https://bilder.bild.de/fotos/vor-dem-fallen-julian-alaphilippe-l–an-der-seite-von-remco-evenepoel-94a50c6a58bd4243bb50433d842353f2-79873578/Bild /4.image.jpg”/> Before the fall: Julian Alaphilippe (left) alongside teammate Remco Evenepoel Photo: picture alliance/dpa/BELGA
Bitter for Quick Step: Alaphilippe’s Belgian teammate Ilan Van Wilder (219) was also involved in the accident. He broke his jaw and is also being treated in a clinic.
Alaphilippe’s partner Marion Rousse had also commented on the fall. She told the broadcaster “France 3” that the driver was conscious and complained of severe back pain.
A very small consolation: The Belgian young star Remco Evenepoel (22), who also drives for the Quick Step team, secured victory in the classic.
Evenepoel was actually intended to help world champion Alaphilippe at his debut in Liege, but the Belgian had a clear run following his serious fall.
