John Degenkolb confirms he's 'not likely' to start Classics as crash recovery continues

John Degenkolb has said that it is 'very likely' that he will completely miss the 2016 spring classics season as he continues his rehabilitation from a horrific training incident in January.

Writing on his Facebook page, the 27-year-old German said that his finger is taking the longest to heal, although the injury to his thigh is healing well.

"The damaged finger is the most serious injury," Degenkolb wrote. "The medical care here in Hamburg is at a very high level. I am really very happy with the service. Nevertheless, the consequence is that I am not very likely to make the start in the classics."

Degenkolb posted a photo of himself back on a turbo trainer for the first time since the incident on January 23, although he was obviously being highly cautious with his still-bandaged left hand.

He wrote that although his injuries are healing swiftly, his lack of training and condition would hamper his prospects in the spring races. Now, he is just looking forward to returning to competition this year when all is healed and he is back in race shape.

Degenkolb was one of six Giant-Alpecin riders hit by a car when it collided with the team during a training ride in Calpe, Spain. He suffered injuries to his thigh, forearm, lip and a finger on his left hand was virtually severed, requiring an operation by a specialist surgeon.

A 73-year-old British woman was charged with imprudence and reckless driving by Alicante police after the incident.

Along with Degenkolb, Giant-Alpecin riders Warren Barguil, Chad Haga, Fredrik Ludvigsson, Ramon Sinkeldam and Max Walscheid were also injured.