Evenepoel’s injuries include fractures to his rib, right shoulder blade, and right hand, along with contusions on both lungs and a dislocated clavicle. After initial treatment at the Erasmus Hospital in Anderlecht, he was transferred to the Herentals hospital for further evaluation and treatment. The dislocated clavicle required surgery, which was to happen on Tuesday evening (December 3). The 24-year-old is now facing a two-week immobilisation period before a plan for his return to training can be developed.
Despite the severity of the crash, Evenepoel was reportedly fully conscious and able to sit upright after the incident. Patrick Lefevere, Soudal Quick-Step’s team boss, voiced frustration over the avoidable nature of the collision to Sporza: “Such accidents unfortunately happen five times a day, people who don’t pay attention and open their door. Remco has pain in his shoulder and his hand. Our doctor is working on it. His bike broke in two in that incident. But it is better to have his bike in two than his arm.”
Earlier this year, he broke his collarbone and scapula during a dramatic crash at Itzulia Basque Country. Yet, the Belgian phenom rebounded to deliver stellar performances: a third-place finish at the Tour de France, double gold at the Paris Olympics, and a successful defence of his time trial world title at the World Championships in Switzerland.
This latest incident adds another chapter to Evenepoel’s already storied resilience. His ability to bounce back from injury has been one of his defining traits since the dramatic crash at the 2020 Il Lombardia, where he suffered a fractured pelvis but returned stronger than ever.
With surgery now behind him, Evenepoel faces a short-term focus on healing before a detailed recovery plan is established. His Soudal Quick-Step team, along with the staff at Herentals hospital, are providing full support during this period. The team’s statement reassures fans that his recovery pathway will be carefully managed, with his long-term performance goals in mind.
