On Sunday, November 1 Kris Boeckmans tweeted a photo of himself on the bike. It was the first time he went out for a ride since his crash in the Vuelta. That day he did two rides of 35 minutes. Last Sunday he took his bike out for two hours.

This is a new and important step in the rehabilitation process. Lotto Soudal team doctor Servaas Bingé gives an update on the recovery and rehabilitation of Boeckmans.

“We can be positive about the recovery of Kris, but we remain careful," he said. "Recent scans showed a very good neurological evolution. It takes time for a concussion to heal and we will need to keep monitoring it in the future. The concussion restricted him in the beginning of his rehabilitation, but Kris has less complaints now. At this moment light and sound don’t bother him anymore and the pressure on his eyes has disappeared.

"His lungs were examined too. We can talk about a positive evolution as well, but the lungs haven’t completely healed yet. For example his lung capacity isn’t the same as before his crash. The facial fractures, for which he underwent surgery a few weeks ago, are practically healed. Only the damaged skin and fat tissue still needs some time to heal. And Kris will get some dental corrections.

“The rehabilitation of Kris is going well. The progress will now be slower though. In the beginning one often sees progress quickly, but the pace of progress reduces when the condition gets better. Kris now exercises every day and says he’s less tired than four weeks ago when he only went three times a week to the Sport Medical Centre ‘Nottebohm Fitlab’ in Brecht. Kris has a huge drive. He trains and works hard, taking all tips into account. Of course he still has difficult moments, but Kris notices he is rewarded for his efforts and energy and that motivates him.”