He suffered multiple fractures and a concussion.
The law of series, unfortunately, continues. A few days ago, three cyclists from the Tournais region, including Brunehaut athlete Paul Bara, were hit by a distracted driver in northern France.
This Sunday afternoon, another accident with heavy consequences occurred in Portugal. Erwin Vanderplancke, an athlete from Liège affiliated to TRIGT (Triathlon Club du Grand Tournaisis), was hit by a vehicle driven by an 80 year old woman on his way back from the World Duathlon Championships. He too was on a bike at the time of the collision.
She apparently didn’t see him and says she was dazzled by the sun,” says Jacques Naveau, president of TRIGT. Erwin has multiple fractures in his hands and wrists, burns in various places and a concussion. He also has broken bones in his face, including his nose, teeth and cheekbones, as well as cut lips and broken teeth. He even had to be placed in a kind of artificial coma for a while. First taken care of in a regional hospital, he was transferred to Lisbon.”
Jacques Naveau has no words to express his feelings. “You know, when I drive now, I take towpaths. The normal roads, it becomes a killer. And again, here we’re talking about famous people like Paul Bara and Erwin, but there are also all these unknown people who are victims of the road. Really, it’s chilling.”
Erwin Vanderplancke is 29 years old. He is a top sportsman at the Defense Department. “He was in great shape and was supposed to take part in the military world championships,” continues Jacques Naveau. We all wish him the best of luck in recovering from this accident.”
Our editorial staff obviously associates itself with these wishes for his recovery.
