(August 15, 2020) Remco Evenepoel has been taken to hospital after a hard fall in the descent of the Muro di Sormano. The top favorite plunged into the ravine in a nasty way after he could not follow his flight companions in the sink.
The young Belgian crossed the Muro di Sormano with six fellow refugees, after which Vincenzo Nibali and his Trek continued in the descent. Evenepoel could not follow the wheel of the experienced forces and had to go beyond its limits. Things went horribly wrong at a bridge: Evenepoel ducked over a wall into the ravine.
The director showed the images of the horror trap several times, but all the while it was waiting for good news about the fallen rider. Fortunately, that came quite quickly: Evenepoel was conscious, cleared the ravine and taken to hospital in an ambulance (with a neck brace).
Update – August 15, 2020 (6.30 pm): Bramati: ‘Evenepoel could talk’
Davide Bramati, sports director at Deceuninck-Quick-Step, was the first of the team at the accident site where Remco Evenepoel plunged into the ravine. In conversation with Sporza he tells his story: ‘When we arrived, I only saw a bicycle. That is not a pleasant sight. I immediately walked down and saw it was okay. He could speak, told me he had right leg pain. It will be fine, he is now in hospital with his family and our foreman Patrick Lefevere. ‘
Update II – August 15 (7 p.m.): ‘Evenepoel did not break anything during its fall’
The Italian newspaper The Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Remco Evenepoel did not sustain any fractures from his crash in the Tour of Lombardy. ‘The fear is there, but Evenepoel comes off without fractures. He’s coming off with bruises. ‘
Update III – August 15, 2020 (8:05 PM): Pelvic fracture and bruised lungs for Evenepoel, season over
Deceuninck-Quick-Step announced on Saturday evening that Remco Evenepoel suffered a pelvic fracture and bruised lungs during his fall in the Tour of Lombardy. That became known after scans. The young Belgian had to spend the night in the hospital to be observed. After that, the team hopes to be able to share more details about the seriousness of his injury.
Foreman Patrick Lefevere confirmed to various media that Evenpoel has been conscious throughout the entire time of the accident and was able to talk to the people around him.
Although no details about his recovery have yet been shared, it seems likely that Evenepoel will have to put an end to this season. “He will have to watch a lot of television this fall,” says Lefevere. This also shatters Evenepoel’s pink dream, where he had tuned his season to participate in the Giro d’Italia.
Update IV – August 16, 2020 (9.45 am): “Evenepoel can return to Belgium after a few tests”
Sporza is able to report a day after Remco Evenepoel’s accident that the rider will most likely be allowed to return to Belgium on Sunday to recover from his fall in the Tour of Lombardy. According to the Belgian sports medium, the Belgian’s recovery is already going well, but he has not slept much during the night. Before he can go home, he will have to pass a few more tests.
Update V – August 16, 2020 (4.10 p.m.): Evenepoel will go home as soon as possible
Deceuninck-Quick-Step has announced through social channels that Remco Evenepoel will be transported to Belgium as soon as possible, if possible within twenty-four hours. The Belgian is doing well under the circumstances, after having had a reasonable night.
(Photo: Sirotti)
Update VI – August 16, 2020 (9.20 pm): Team doctor about Evenepoel: ‘Surgery probably not necessary’
According to team doctor of Deceuninck-Quick-Step Yvan Vanmol, Remco Evenepoel does not need to undergo surgery for his pelvic fracture as it stands now. He tells that Sporza. Furthermore, the young Belgian will probably not sustain any permanent damage from the terrible crash in the Tour of Lombardy. Deceuninck-Quick-Step hopes to move Evenepoel to Belgium shortly, where it will be further examined by a specialist.
In any case, the season is over for Evenepoel: “He will take at least six weeks of flat rest, then he can start walking and before he can cycle, two months will have passed,” said Vanmol. However, his preparation for the next season will not be jeopardized. “I think he will come to training camp with a condition like the other riders because he will be able to cycle in October.”
Update VII – 17 August 2020 (5.45 pm): Evenepoel transferred to hospital in Belgium
Remco Evenepoel is back in Belgium, reports the Gazet van Antwerp. The Belgian landed with a private plane at Abelag airport and is transferred to the hospital in Herentals. Further details are not known at this time.
Update VIII – August 17, 2020 (8 p.m.): Evenepoel responds for the first time: ‘I am coming back stronger than ever’
Remco Evenepoel has reacted for the first time to his crash that took place during the Tour of Lombardy. ‘First of all, I want to thank everyone who helped and supported me in the last few days. I’m fine. Unfortunately my season is now over. We are not in a hurry and we have plenty of time to plan a good comeback. Both physically and everything around it. I also want to thank the fans. I couldn’t answer all of your messages because there were so many. I can see and feel everything, so know that your support really touches me and that it helps me in a positive way. ‘
Evenepoel also dares to look at what is to come. ‘We are going to tackle everything very slowly and calmly. We are really looking forward to next season. We will do everything we can to make me a better cyclist and come back stronger than ever. The Wolfpack never gives up, ”said the unfortunate Belgian.
Update IX – August 18, 2020 (2 p.m.): No surgery needed for the Evenepoel pelvis
In an update on Twitter Deceuninck-Quick-Step has announced that the medical examination has shown that indeed no surgery is required for Remco Evenepoel’s injury. However, the young Belgian will have to take a lot of rest in the coming weeks to let his pelvis heal. (Photo: Sirotti)
