Alphand suffers suspected spinal injuries

Luc Alphand, winner of the Dakar Rally back in 2006 and leader of his own Luc Alphand Aventures sportscar team, has been seriously injured during an accident in France.

Alphand is reported to have suffered spinal injuries in the accident, which occurred he was taking part in the Rand'Auvergne motorcycle rally during the course of the weekend.

The 43-year-old former downhill skier was due to undergo surgery on his injuries in Clermont Ferrand today [Monday].

"From what I understand Luc did not lose consciousness," Alphand's manager Philippe Poincioux is quoted by news agency AFP. "There is no danger of brain damage. We think that he fractured his spine.

"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 physical shape and that will help recovery."