Julian Alaphilippe "only suffered some abrasions" after multiple crashes on disappointing day at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad

After all the controversy of the last few days surrounding Soudal - Quick-Step boss Patrick Lefevere and his star rider, Julian Alaphilippe, the Frenchman will have taken to the startline at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad with a point to prove.

Sadly for the two-time former world champion, the day turned into something of a disaster as multiple crashes and technical issues forced Alaphilippe into a DNF. Despite the disappointment, there is at least some positive news to emerge as it seems the 31-year-old has thankfully escaped any serious injuries.

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“Kasper Asgreen (who was also caught up in a crash with Alaphilippe ed.) has some elbow pain. But didn't break anything," reviewed Soudal - Quick-Step sports director, Wilfried Peeters in conversation with Het Laaste Nieuws post-race. “Alaphilippe only suffered some abrasions.”

In the end, victory on the day went to Team Visma | Lease a Bike's Jan Tratnik with both of Soudal - Quick-Step's leaders crashes ensuring there was no Wolfpack presence in the top-10.