Remco Evenepoel, the double Olympic champion, was taken to hospital earlier today following a training incident in Oetingen, Flemish Brabant. The 24-year-old collided with the door of a Bpost postal vehicle, which according to Het Nieuwsblad reportedly swung open unexpectedly. According to local reports, Evenepoel remained conscious and was able to sit upright at the scene, though he sustained a fractured left collarbone and was experiencing significant shoulder pain.
The crash occurred late morning on 3rd December, as Evenepoel trained solo near the Kerkplein in Oetingen. Witnesses described the scene as distressing. Bart, a shop owner at the Kerkplein, recounted seeing Evenepoel shortly after the impact. “He had been on the ground for a while,” Bart explained. “When he sat up, he was hunched over, and it was clear the impact had been severe. His bike was completely broken—it looked like a crumpled wheelchair.”
Emergency services arrived quickly and transported Evenepoel to Erasmus Hospital in Anderlecht under the supervision of a mobile emergency team. His father, Patrick Evenepoel, told Het Nieuwsblad, “We are still on our way and don’t know much more ourselves. He sent us a message, so we hope everything is okay. From what I hear, he fell after colliding with the door of a Bpost truck.”
Bpost confirmed their involvement, stating, “An incident occurred this morning involving a Bpost vehicle and Remco Evenepoel. We regret this deeply and will cooperate fully with the investigation. The postwoman involved is very shaken by the incident and remained at the scene until Remco was taken to hospital. We hope for his swift recovery.”
Reports indicate that Evenepoel’s injury will require further examination at Herentals Hospital, where doctors will determine if surgery is necessary. Team manager Patrick Lefevere expressed concern about the situation but acknowledged that such accidents are all too common. “It’s better that his bike broke in two than his arm,” Lefevere told media outlets. “These things happen when people aren’t paying attention and open car doors. Remco has pain in his shoulder and hand, and our doctor is assessing the situation.”
The crash has disrupted what had been a period of light training and leisure for Evenepoel. Over the weekend, he attended the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Qatar with his wife Oumi, and last week he joined his Soudal-Quick Step teammates for a relaxed beach ride.
Main photo credit: Het Nieuwsblad
