Capiot reveals recovery struggles after Bruges crash: 'I slept downstairs for two weeks'

On March 25, during the Ronde van Brugge, won by Dylan Groenewegen (Unibet Rose Rockets), Amaury Capiot (Jayco AlUla) crashed on the right-hand side of the road in the final sprint. 

Jayco AlUla confirmed post-race that CT scans revealed fractures to his right collarbone and hip, putting an abrupt end to his Classics campaign. It marked a significant blow for Capiot, who had scored top ten finishes in the Clàssica Comunitat Valenciana, GP Jean-Pierre Monseré and stages at the Tour of Oman.

Speaking to Het Nieuwsblad, Capiot reflected on the crash, the hardships that have followed in the past two months and his ambitions to return to racing. 

Flashing back to March, Capiot recalled the moment he hit the deck in Bruges, and the immediate realisation that he had sustained significant injuries. 

“The strange thing was that the impact didn't even feel that hard. Yet I knew immediately that my hip and collarbone were broken,” Capiot told Het Nieuwsblad before confirming that he actually had to spend a week in intensive care. 

Once the Belgian was able to leave the hospital, his freedom and movement were still heavily restricted due to the extent of his injuries, making it not only a physical but also a mental challenge. 

“Once home, I remained confined to my bed. That bed was literally downstairs in the living room, because taking the stairs was impossible. I slept downstairs for two weeks,” said Capiot. “Not long after, however, I quickly realised that the situation was more serious than it was then.”

The rehabilitation process is still ongoing for Capiot, one in which he has had to take a steady approach. 

“Due to the impact, both my thigh and hip were displaced. That had such a significant impact on my muscular system that the worst pain and risks have only just passed," explained Capiot.

"Training is not yet an option. However, since week seven after the fall, I have been going to Stayen to rehabilitate. Currently, I am in the phase where I can start building muscle again.”

A return to full health is Capiot’s current priority, with a return to racing something that remains in the distance. The Belgian has outlined a date when he aims to return to action, but knows that there could still be setbacks or bumps in the road. 

“Hopefully, I can get back on the bike in two to three weeks. To train outdoors or on the rollers. The initial prognosis was six months of rehabilitation with a gradual build-up of training. I have no idea if that is realistic. The end of August is possible, I think. But from now on, everything has to go perfectly.”

Capiot touched on the exciting news that he and his partner Silke are expecting their first child, which has helped him through a difficult couple of months. 

“In a month, Silke and I will welcome our first child, a son. This allows me to regularly take my mind off things and put the situation into perspective more easily. Additionally, I notice that it motivates me more. I don't just want to come back for myself, but also for the little one," said Capiot.