'I hope and think my long term goals will not change' – Remco Evenepoel weighs crash consequences

The Itzulia Basque Nation crash on Thursday left Remco Evenepoel with a damaged collarbone and shoulder blade, with the rider travelling to Belgian for surgical procedure on Friday. However first he supplied an replace to his followers on his accidents and simply what that may imply for the season forward.

The Soudal-QuickStep rider had outlined earlier this season that chasing a podium spot in his Tour de France debut was a key goal however there have been additionally different main aims alongside the best way, together with the Ardennes Classics and the Olympic Video games. 

“Clearly my plans for the brief future will change,” mentioned Evenepoel in a video replace put out by the crew on social media.

”However I hope and assume my long run objectives is not going to change. All the pieces needs to be happy with that.”

The instant plans after Itzulia Basque Nation  for Evenepoel had been the Ardennes Classics, beginning with Amstel Gold Race on Sunday April 14, lower than two weeks away.

Then Flèche Wallonne is on Wednesday April 17 earlier than Liège-Bastogne-Liège on Sunday April 21, which is now set to run with out the winner of the final two editions of the Monument given Evenepoel’s accidents.

Itzulia Basque Nation was meant to be an exciting early assembly for 3 riders who’re anticipated to be key contenders on the 2024 Tour de France. However as a substitute it left them dealing with a interval of damage restoration which can, to various levels, alter their run-in plans to the June 29-July 21 occasion.

After Evenepoel, Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Primož Roglič (Bora-Hansgrohe) had been amongst these concerned in a significant crash stage 4 was first halted after which partly neutralised, whereas ideas of the race final result not appeared of significance.

Roglič left the race limping, with the crew saying additional examinations didn’t reveal any fractures whereas Vingegaard has a damaged collarbone and a number of other damaged ribs, with the crew saying he remained in hospital as a precaution.

“In fact I wish to want all the opposite riders that had been concerned within the crash a speedy restoration and I hope to see you all quickly on the highway once more,” mentioned Evenepoel whereas additionally thanking the medical doctors and crew for his or her take care of him after the accident.