Luc Alphand is reported to be recovering well from the injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident over the course of the weekend.

The boss of the Luc Alphand Aventures team – and former winner of the Dakar Rally – sustained spinal injuries in the incident during the Rand'Auvergne event in his native France.

Having undergone surgery in hospital in Clermont Ferrand, Alphand is now reported to be recovering well although he will remain in hospital for more than a week before heading home to continue his recuperation.

“Having barely closed his eyes during the night, Luc is very tired but he's doing well,” long-time friend Christian Lavielle said. “This morning, in the presence of the doctors, he walked around his hospital room.

“He could see that all his limbs were functioning, which really lifted his morale. Now he must rest to regain his strength.”