Young Belgian’s crash at Lombardia will be felt for a while: broken elbow, wrist, and knee
As if a broken wrist and elbow wasn’t enough, fallen Omega Pharma rider, Jan Bakelants got some even worse news today following his crash on the descent of the Colma di Sormano on Saturday at the Giro di Lombardia – he also has a broken kneecap to boot.
On Monday, when he only had a broken wrist and elbow, Bakelants was feeling pretty low.
“A Garmin team car misjudged a turn. He hit the brakes hard, and I couldn’t help but follow him, and there I went. Normally, I would start my vacation now. This cast is a disappointment. Even worse, I will have it for six weeks, meaning my preparation for for next season will be disturbed,” said the 24 year old in a conversation with Het Laatste Nieuws.
On Tuesday, the news was even worse. The rider, who managed a 19th place overall finish at the Tour of Spain, called it a “sin” when thinking about his broken knee.
“I’m going under the knife on Wednesday with Dr. Toon Claes. He told me that a screw in the broken kneecap can be made. This is a shame,” said the Omega Pharma talent to Sporza.
Bakelants can look back at a solid season highlighted by the first two Grand Tours of his career and at least know that if ever there was a time for a bad crash, it’s right now. The native of Oudenaarde will likely take a long while to mend from his terrible crash on the Sormano, but the winter is long.
“All in all, it is a painful affair. I hope this was my first and last serious crash.”