A few months before joining Alpecin-Fenix in 2021, Edward Planckaert was a victim of a hit-and-run accident. He suffered severe injuries and was left behind in a ditch. His months-long recovery to become a full pro again, is perhaps his most praiseworthy achievement. He has since grown into a valued lead-out man for our sprinters: Edward was part of the 2021 Vuelta and 2022 Tour de France teams that saw Jasper Philipsen take several stage wins. And he himself showed his puncheur's skills last year in the opening stage of the Tour of Burgos, his first victory as a pro cyclist.