Julien Alaphilippe of Dečuninck-Quick Step was in a breakaway group with Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) and eventual winner Mathieu Van Der Pol (Alpecin Phoenix) at the Tour de Flanders in mid-October. He said he did not blame the bike riders who collided while forming part of the breakaway with eventual winner Mathieu Van der Pol (Alpecin-Phoenix).

According to the French sports newspaper L'Equipe, the Frenchman broke two metacarpals in his right hand in the crash, but underwent surgery the day after the accident and is now recovering at home in Andorra.

The crash occurred with around 35 km remaining in the race. From the TV footage, it appeared that Alaphilippe had raised his left arm to speak on the team radio just before he crashed into the bike. In other words, he probably had his head tilted to the left as well to speak into the microphone and did not see first Van Aert and then Van der Pol flick to the left to avoid the vehicle of the slowing "moto" rider, Eddie Lissens.

"I was behind Van der Paul, on the left side of the road. I then (followed him) to the right and tried to catch the draft. I'm good at avoiding obstacles and getting through tight spaces, but this time there was nothing I could do."

"'Yeah, but he was talking on the radio. Whether he was looking ahead or behind, whether he had his hands on the wheel or not, whether he was drinking or not ....... When Van der Pol crossed at the last moment, there was nothing I could do."

"I was going so fast I didn't hear the bike," Alaphilippe continued.

"I'm not saying it was van der Pol's fault for not warning me, nor am I saying it was the motorcycle rider's fault.

"I heard that the motorcycle rider feels guilty about what happened, but there is no need to worry. I don't blame him. 'Besides, I am not a vindictive person. Both Van Art and Van Der Pol have since sent me messages.

Alaphilippe also described his fall as "horrible" and said he had never experienced a similar crash in his career.

"Usually you can tell when a crash is about to happen. For example, you know when you're going to turn a corner and it's going to be slippery and unavoidable. But as far as this tumble is concerned, ......."

"I'm fine now and it could have been much worse. 'I didn't expect to be in so much pain for a few days after the surgery. My hand was so swollen, I didn't sleep well, and I didn't sleep well. I didn't think I would be able to enjoy the winter break, but I'm glad I had the surgery. I'm happy to be home, and most of all, I'm happy that it doesn't hurt so much anymore."

According to Alaphilippe, his Detunink Quickstep team will join him in Belgium in early November, when he will have the opportunity to visit his surgeon in Herental to check the progress of his hand.

"And I'm looking forward to when I'll be able to ride my bike again," Alaphilippe said. 'It's fall and I love all the colors. It's my favorite season."