Yesterday Mathieu van der Poel was lucky to escape an accident during his first group training ride after his knee injury with any major damages. The Dutch world champion crashed, but was left unscathed and could continue his ride. According to his BKCP-Corendon team, his planned comeback in the World Cup race in Koksijde (November 22) is not in danger.

The accident was due to a reckless motorist which van der Poel's teammate Wietse Bosmans had to avoid. Van der Poel's foot hit Bosmans' rear wheel and the Dutchman hit the ground. Fortunately without consequences.

The young Dutchman has been unable to show his rainbow jersey this season after he crashed in the Tour de l'Avenir at the end of August. After weeks of pain, he underwent surgey in early October.