Julian Alaphilippe: World champion remains in hospital after hitting tree in Liege-Bastogne-Liege crash

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Julian Alaphilippe has won back-to-back World Championships

World champion Julian Alaphilippe remains in hospital after hitting a tree during Sunday's Liege-Bastogne-Liege one-day race.

The 29-year-old Frenchman suffered two broken ribs, a broken scapula and a collapsed lung.

A huge crash brought down many riders 62km from the finish, with Alaphilippe landing in a ditch.

His Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl team said "a period of further observation" is required before beginning his recovery.

Meanwhile, team-mate Ilan van Wilder has had surgery on the broken jaw he sustained in the same crash.

The 21-year-old Belgian has returned home but has been ruled out of the Giro d'Italia, which starts on 6 May.