Bakelants back in the saddle after injury

Belgian cyclist Jan Bakelants is set to end his near sixmonth injury nightmare by saddling up at the classic Loire Atlantique one-day race on Saturday, his AG2R team announced. Bakelants, a former Tour de France stage winner who wore the yellow jersey in 2013, suffered multiple fractures after a heavy crash at last season’s Tour of Lombardy. After fighting his way back to fitness, he is now taking inspiration from Alejandro Valverde and Ion Izagirre, both of whom returned to top form following serious injuries. “I don’t know what to expect,” Bakelants said. “It was a difficult time for me, but thankfully I had a lot of support. I hope to succeed on my return.”