Belgian cyclist hit by driver while training, out of World Championships in Montreal

Belgian cyclist Seff Van Kerckhove was transported to hospital after he was hit by a driver during a training ride just outside Montreal on Sunday afternoon, according to the Belgian cycling federation.

The incident left the 18-year-old unable to participate in the UCI Road World Championships happening this week in Montreal. He was slated to compete in the men's junior individual time trial on Tuesday and in the road race on Thursday.

"The collision had a severe impact on his upper body," said a spokesperson for Belgian Cycling, Gwendoline Gerres, in a news release.

She said he is already undergoing rehab.

"We wish him a speedy recovery."

The federation adds it will not replace Van Kerckhove in either of the races he was scheduled to participate in.

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According to Montreal police, the incident happened outside its territory, in a Montreal suburb, though they couldn't say where exactly.

In a statement, the local organizing race committee said every national federation is responsible for choosing where to accommodate its team and deciding the training course. It says that while some are staying in Montreal, others are off-island.