Bakelants back in the saddle after injury nightmare

Paris - Belgian cyclist Jan Bakelants is set to end his near six-month injury nightmare by saddling up at the classic Loire Atlantique one-day race on Saturday, his AG2R team announced. 

Bakelants, a former Tour de France stage winner who wore the yellow jersey in 2013, suffered multiple fractures after a heavy crash at last season's Tour of Lombardy. 

After fighting his way back to fitness thanks to hours of gruelling sessions on his home-trainer, he is now taking inspiration from Alejandro Valverde and Ion Izagirre, both of whom returned to top form following serious injuries. 

"I don't know what to expect," said Bakelants, who, when he lines up on Saturday, will end a 168-day injury absence. 

"It was a difficult time for me, but thankfully I had a lot of support. 

"I hope to succeed on my return. Valverde won again after serious injury and Ion Izagirre had a great Paris-Nice campaign despite suffering a fracture in his back on the Tour de France last year. 

"So, I'm feeling confident."