Alphand recovering from back surgery

GT racer and former Dakar Rally winner Luc Alphand is expected to make a full recovery from back injuries sustained in an off-road motorcycle rally.

Alphand, who made the switch to motor sport after a successful skiing career, needed emergency surgery to stabilise two fractured vertebrae after crashing in the Rallye Rand’Auvergne in June. The 43-year-old was airlifted to hospital in Clermont-Ferrand, where he underwent a four-hour operation.

He was released after eight days to continue his convalescence at home.