Fabio Jakobsen back on bike three months after Tour de Pologne crash

Fabio Jakobsen (Deceuninck-QuickStep)
Fabio Jakobsen (Deceuninck-QuickStep) (Image credit: Fabio Jakobsen/Instagram)

Fabio Jakobsen has given an update on his recovery from his career-threatening crash at the Tour de Pologne, posting a photo of himself to social media for the first time since the race.

The Deceuninck-QuickStep sprinter suffered severe facial injuries when he crashed into the barriers on stage 1 of the race after Jumbo-Visma's Dylan Groenewegen had manoeuvred into him, and he has since undergone several reconstructive surgeries.

At the start of the month, Jakobsen said he hoped to get back on the bike before December and he has met that goal. On Tuesday afternoon, he posted a photo of himself and partner Delores Tougje posing with their bikes during a ride.

"Back on the bike together with Delores Tougje on our new Specialized Tarmac SL7!" he said. "It has been quite a journey so far.

"With this post I would like to thank all the medical specialists that have helped me along the way. Same goes for Deceuninck-QuickStep and all the sponsors of my team for the support in my rehabilitation process."

Jakobsen is set to undergo another surgery in January and is planning to return to training over the next few months, he said.

"Already looking forward to my next surgery in January. In the meantime, I will slowly start training again."

Jakobsen is well on the road to recovery after the crash, but Groenewegen will be out of cycling until May 2021 after the UCI's Disciplinary Commission took the decision to hand down a retroactive nine-month ban

The decision was taken earlier this month, though Deceueninck-QuickStep appear to be pushing ahead with legal action against the Dutchman. Team boss Patrick Lefevere said earlier this month that the move, in conjunction with insurer Europ Assistance, will go ahead in the Polish courts.

Today's best Black Friday deals

Today's cycling-related highlights from the Black Friday sales. For even more, view our guide to the best Black Friday bike deals where you'll find on all things cycling, including bikes, helmets, clothing and more. 

Today's best deals: USA

Today's best deals: UK

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Cyclingnews is the world's leader in English-language coverage of professional cycling. Started in 1995 by University of Newcastle professor Bill Mitchell, the site was one of the first to provide breaking news and results over the internet in English. The site was purchased by Knapp Communications in 1999, and owner Gerard Knapp built it into the definitive voice of pro cycling. Since then, major publishing house Future PLC has owned the site and expanded it to include top features, news, results, photos and tech reporting. The site continues to be the most comprehensive and authoritative English voice in professional cycling.