Julian Alaphilippe, the world road race champion from France, was forced to abandon Liege-Bastogne-Liege after getting caught in a mass crash with about 60 kilometers left. His team said Alaphilippe fractured his shoulder blade and has two fractured ribs and a collapsed lung.
What happened?
Alaphilippe, 29, was involved in the crash on Sunday, and his condition is stable but will need to be hospitalized for observation. Quick-Step Alpha-Vinyl, his team, confirmed the injuries.
The crash occurred with about 60 kilometers left in the race, and Alaphilippe was unable to continue. Rising star Remco Evenepoel won Liege-Bastogne-Liege on Sunday, the biggest victory of his career in cycling’s oldest classic.
Why it matters for Julian Alaphilippe
Alaphilippe, who won the last two world road race titles, will likely face a lengthy recovery period. He became the first Frenchman to win the race in 23 years and has worn the Tour de France yellow jersey for 18 stages over the last three years.
Evenepoel, who recovered from a horrific crash at the 2020 Tour of Lombardy, triumphed in “La Doyenne” at his first attempt, aged 22. He raised his arms and buried his face in his hands as he added his name to a list of winners that includes the likes of cycling greats Eddy Merckx and Bernard Hinault.
What comes next?
Alaphilippe will need to undergo further treatment and rehabilitation for his injuries. The exact timeline for his return to racing is unclear, but his team will provide updates on his condition.
Annemiek van Vleuten of the Netherlands won the women’s race for the second time after going solo in the Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons. She won ahead of Grace Brown and Demi Vollering, finishing with a strong performance on Sunday.
Bardet climbing down to help an injured Alaphilippe was a notable moment in the race, showcasing the camaraderie among cyclists. The incident occurred on April 24, 2022, and Alaphilippe’s team is monitoring his condition closely.