CARENDURANCELMS

29.06.2009

LMS: Alphand seriously hurt in motorcycle rally

Le Mans Series team owner and driver Luc Alphand has been seriously injured in a motor cycle rally.

The former Skiing Champion, who now runs cars in the Le Mans Series, FIA GT Championship and French GT Championship under the Luc Alphand Aventures banner, was competing in the Rand’Auvergne in central France on Sunday when he crashed heavily.

It is believed that the 43-year-old Frenchman, who was competing at the Le Mans 24 Hours two weeks ago, has suffered a damaged spine and he will undergo surgery in Clermont Ferrand today.

“From what I understand Luc did not lose consciousness and there is no danger of brain damage, but we think he has fractured his spine,” said Luc Alphand Aventures Team Manager Philippe Poincloux.

“Mentally it’s a big blow for him knowing that he will be unable to move for some time. He is really down even though he knows he has been lucky it was not worse. He is in great shape physically and that will help his recovery.”

Alphand won the Ski World Cup in 1997, but switched to motorsport after retiring. He won the Dakar Rally in 2006 and is a nine-time veteran of the Le Mans 24 Hours. He also currently leads the GT1 standings in the Le Mans Series.

Andy Wilkinson

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Who is your tip for the Le Mans 24 Hours

Wurz / Davidson / Gene (Peugeot)

19%

Minassian / Montagny / Sarrazin (Peugeot)

Bourdais / Pagenaud / Lamy (Peugeot)

14%

Kristensen / Capello / McNish (Audi)

47%

Fassler / Lotterer / Treluyer (Audi)

Rockenfeller / Bernhard / Dumas (Audi)

Mucke / Primat / Fernandez (Aston Martin)

Someone else

Total votes: 119

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