"My first fracture and right away I broke the biggest bone in my body" - Florian Vermeersch approaches his injury with humour

Florian Vermeersch would have loved to be there in the Flemish classic spring. Unfortunately, six weeks ago he broke his left femur in a fall at Vuelta a Murcia. Currently, Vermeersch is on a long road back and aims to return to competition in summer.

"My first fracture and right away I broke the biggest bone in my body," laughs Vermeersch in an interview with HLN. "I wanted to race towards the leading group, but I misjudged the third or fourth corner."

Six weeks later, Vermeersch has already made great progress. "Also literally. The bone has healed well. Normally there is nothing that prevents a full recovery."

Vermeersch is aiming for July or August before he can race again. He initially thought he could reach the Tour, but now he sees that is not quite realistic. "I am now thinking more about the Canadian races or Plouay in Brittany, which are also competitions of a very high level."

Unluckily, 2024 is also contract year for 25-year-old Vermeersch. However he is not afraid of not finding team for next year. "Everyone knows my potential, my own team and other teams as well. I'm sure I won't be unemployed next year. I would like to stay with Lotto, but I am also looking at other options. I hope to make the decision in the coming weeks."