"When you have neurological problems, you never know if you will fully recover": Cofidis rider back on the bike after suffering a stroke in September

Cofidis rider Ludovic Robeet has spoken publicly about his recovery after suffering a stroke in September, revealing he has already returned to training and hopes to rejoin the peloton in time for the Flemish Classics.

In quotes gathered by Cyclism Actu, Robeet shared some details of the frightening moment that took place on September 8, as he suffered a stroke in the middle of the night.

"Around 3 a.m., I woke up, and half of my body was frozen. I dragged myself to my wife downstairs, but I couldn't speak; no sound came out of my mouth, so she took the initiative to call emergency services. The result was a month in the hospital, and the first few days weren't easy at all..."

Robeet was admitted to hospital just a few hours before he was due to board a flight to Canada for the World Tour races in GP de Québec and GP de Montréal. After a tough recovery process, he can luckily confirm he is quickly recovering.

"Now I'm doing better. I've regained my ability to walk, I ride a bike, I can stand, and I'm thrilled about it. When you have neurological problems, you never know if you'll fully recover, but there's progress every day, and I'm optimistic."

Robeet has already resumed cycling and hopes to return to competition for the spring classics, but his comeback will depend on how his recovery progresses.

"I've gotten back on the bike and managed a 3-hour ride, which is encouraging. I hope to be back for the Flemish Classics, but we'll see. It's a long road ahead; just maintaining my line requires maximum concentration, and I'm not completely at ease on my bike. I still have quite a few apprehensions, especially when riding in a group, when drafting, or in corners... But it will come back."

Robeet also thanked his wife for being his biggest supporter throughout the process and revealed great news: the family is welcoming a new member! "My wife Louise is essential; she supported me a lot and helped me a lot while I was in the final stages of pregnancy. Today Ambre was born, we're all back home, and that's the most important thing."