After it was announced that BMC’s Loic Vliegen would undergo heart surgery to correct a congenital heart defect, the Belgian has now had successful surgery and is on the road to recovery.

"Back in my room after my operation. Everything is ok. Now I have to rest a little bit," he wrote on Twitter.

Vliegen was part of the BMC Development Team in 2015, and has had two stints as a stagiaire at the pro team. He will ride his first full season as a pro in 2016.

BMC are confident the 20 year old Belgian will be able to return to his top level very soon.