# Sébastien Grignard Aims for Comeback at 4 Jours de Dunkerque After Spring Setbacks
For Lotto Dstny rider Sébastien Grignard, the spring of 2023 has been characterized by unfortunate misfortunes. Following a crash during the Etoile de Bessèges early in the season, the 24-year-old Belgian cyclist made his return to competition in mid-March. However, his challenges continued as he sustained a concussion and a hand fracture after a violent fall during the iconic Paris-Roubaix race. Now, Grignard is set to make his return to the peloton at the upcoming 4 Jours de Dunkerque, where he aspires to contribute to his team’s success once more.
Reflecting on his harrowing crash at Paris-Roubaix, Grignard shared, “I don’t remember anything about the fall itself. About halfway on the Viesly à Quiévy section, I was involved in a crash that also included Peter Sagan. In the hospital I heard the verdict: a concussion and some bruising around my shoulder. A few weeks later, a new scan showed a fracture in my hand. This delayed my return to the peloton.”
This incident was not an isolated event for Grignard. He explained, “At the beginning of the season, I already crashed pretty hard in Bessèges. At that time, I was afraid I wouldn’t be back in time for the Classics. I really wanted to be at the start of these races to be able to play my part in the team’s strong spring campaign. So that crash in Paris-Roubaix was a real bummer.”
Despite these setbacks, Grignard’s recovery proceeded relatively smoothly. After a few days of rest, he was back to training and preparing for his imminent return to competitive racing.
“It’s always a bit nerve-wracking to race again after a fall, but I’m looking forward to it,” Grignard expressed, having pinned on his number for the kermesse race GP Vermarc. “It may take some time to find my rhythm, but I am happy to be back again.”
The 4 Jours de Dunkerque will be a new experience for Grignard. He stated, “This is a race that should suit me. I am especially looking forward to racing a few days in a row. That will really give me an idea of my form. I hope we can deliver another strong collective performance.”
With an eye on the rest of the season, Grignard is eager to support his team. “We have some great races coming up and I want to be there to support my team,” he declared. “We have some strong riders who can get even more results in the coming months and I want to be there to help them.”
As he prepares to rejoin the competitive fray, the cycling world watches in anticipation for Grignard’s comeback.
