Philippe Gilbert on Remco Evenepoel's crash: "What if this misfortune gave some extra freshness for next July?"

Philippe Gilbert and Remco Evenepoel were teammates during the 2019 season, and it was a year where they were quite close. After the Olympic Champion crashed this Tuesday it sparked many reactions within the Belgian community including Gilbert.

"Remco Evenepoel on the ground again, following a collision with a postal van! The fractures are numerous and will require considerable time and energy," the former World Champion said in a post on X. Evenepoel suffered rib, shoulder blade and hand fractures; as well as later diagnosed lung contusions and a collarbone luxation. He had surgery last night and was active on social media this morning, reassuring fans of his condition.

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For the next few weeks there will be plenty questions surrounding the Belgian such as his estimated time for recovery, when he will get back to serious training, when he'll start his 2025 season and what will be his main goals and schedule for the upcoming year. Gilbert does not push away the effects that the many injuries can have - Evenepoel fractured his pelvis in 2020, and in April this year he also fractured a collarbone and shoulder blade - however like Patrick Lefevere, he thinks about what can come good from the timing of the fall.

Whilst Lefevere was thankful that it happened in December, not April; Gilbert believes that this fall may see a meaningful change in his schedule and that there is a slight possibility that it will end up leading towards a more conservative first half of the year, which could see then a stronger Evenepoel at the Tour de France: "What if this misfortune gave some extra freshness for next July?"

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Remco Evenepoel shares post on training accident - Belgian reveals dislocated collarbone and lung contusions as well

"Fortunately it is December and not April" - Patrick Lefevere sees the positive in Remco Evenepoel's fall