Remco Evenepoel and Fabio Jacobsen exchanged a string of supportive messages as the Detunink-Quickstep pair recovers from serious injuries.

Evenepoel crashed on a bridge at Il Lombardia last weekend and fractured his pelvis.

Evenpoel is still in a hospital in Hellenthal, Belgium, although he took his first few steps on crutches on Friday. Jacobsen, meanwhile, spent a week in an intensive care unit in Poland and another week in a hospital in his native Netherlands before returning home.

On Saturday, Evenpoel released screenshots of an email exchange with Jacobsen via social media.

"I'm doing the best I can! I'm a strong bear," Evenpoel wrote.

"Keep fighting, buddy! Proud of your first steps," Jacobsen replied.

Evenepoel added, "Hey my friend, I know it's hard, but remember what I told you! That's why it's stuck in my head. The fact that you and I are still alive means that cycling is not over with us."

Evenepoel, who soloed to a sensational stage victory in Poland, held Jacobsen's race number above his head. Jacobsen hit the wall on day one after Dylan Groenewegen deviated from the sprint line.

He has since returned home, but faces a long road to recovery, having undergone multiple facial surgeries.

"I want to let everyone know that I am very grateful to still be alive. The messages and words of support have given me so much strength. Step by step, I will slowly look to the future and fight to recover," Jacobsen said recently.

Meanwhile, Evenpoel is expected to return to the peloton, but not before 2021.

"Me and the team are positive and looking forward to next season. I will really slow down, settle in, and do everything in my power to become a better rider and stronger than ever."