November 23, 2008 – Cyclocross star, Niels Albert (Bel) Palmans-Cras, the 2007-08 U23 Cyclocross World Champion, was reportedly released from hospital yesterday after being admitted on Nov. 16 due to a ruptured spleen, which he sustained in a crash while warming up for the Superprestige race in Gavere, Belgium.

Albert was in the ICU for several days to monitor the injury, which included internal bleeding. According to his fan web site, www.supportersclubnielsalbert.be, the young ‘cross phenom requires two weeks of recovery, plus another two weeks to get back into competitive shape. He retains his goal of racing in the 2009 Cyclocross World Championships in Hoogerheide, Netherlands, Jan. 31-Feb. 2.