Laurens De Plus to hospital in South Africa after collision with truck

Bad news from the Quick Stepkamp: Laurens De Plus (22) and Petr Vakoc (25) were in training in South Africa hit by a truck. Plus there were no fractures from but should for safety’s sake, however, a few days in the hospital stay. Vakoc broke some vertebrae.

Both riders were together with team mate Bob Jungels on the road for a training ride in the vicinity of Nelspruit when they passed behind by a truck were hit. Vakoc nor The Plus lost consciousness but were still transported to the hospital of Nelspruit. The Plus ran a light long – and nierkneuzing on, along with multiple abrasions. The Ninovieter is for observation a few days in the hospital held. The Czech Vakoc, ex-winner of the Brabant Arrow, there was less good from. He broke several vertebrae and is later on the day surgery.

Luxemburger Bob Jungels was a privileged witness: “I was riding in front with Petr and Lauren behind me. Suddenly I heard a heavy bang and I saw Petr and Laurens on the asphalt. I heard the truck come in, but I suspect that he has touched with his left zijspiegel, maybe even with the left side of the truck. I am immediately to my team mates walked in and saw that they were injured. I dared them not to move, a lady in the neighbourhood was immediately an ambulance was notified. The accident has pretty much made quite an impression on me, I can only hope that my team mates for a fast recovery and that I that image from my retina can clear it.”

Psychological assistance

For The Plus, it is a second setback in a short time. He was but just recovered from a spectacular crash in the Tour of Lombardy, where he the descent of the Muro di Sormano in a ravine, landed.

Also for the immediate surroundings of Laurens The Plus means this is a new heavy blow. As stated, the rider recently to the RTBF that his mother after the accident in Lombardy, psychological assistance was obtained from the ‘ploegpsycholoog’ Jef Brouwers and that he hoped that they again without fear to matches would be able to look.

It is not clear how long The Plus in the hospital must remain and it is not clear what impact this will have on his training and competition schedule.