"I hope to see you all soon on the road again" - Remco Evenepoel's message following insane fall at Itzulia Basque Country

Remco Evenepoel was one of the many victims of today's crash at Itzulia Basque Country which is certain to mark the season. The Belgian has suffered two fractures and abandoned the race as a result; and provides himself an update on the injuries and his spirits.

"Hello everybody it's Remco here. I want to let you know I've broken my collarbone and shoulder blade so obviously my plans for the short-term will change, but I hope and think my long-term goals should not change," the Belgian said in a video shared by the team. Evenepoel was in second place in the peloton when the riders hit a patch of road where several fell.

It's unclear whether there was something slippery or if it was the effect of tree roots or poor road situation which caused the terrible fall. Evenepoel bunny hopped over a ditch but was unable to prevent a crash on the grass next to the road. A fractured collarbone and shoulder blade were the results, which confirm his absence also from the Ardennes classics - including Liège-Bastogne-Liège where he was supposed to try and defend his title. He tells however that the Tour de France should not be at risk for the time being.

"I want to thank the doctors and also Toon (Cruyt, team doctor, ed.) the doctor of the team who took care of me over the last couple of hours. And of course, I want to wish all the other riders who were involved in the crash a speedy recovery and I hope to see you all soon on the road again," he concluded.