Kris Boeckmans recovering after Vuelta a Espana crash

Kris Boeckmans' accident caused five riders to pull out of the race

Belgium's Kris Boeckmans is out of an induced coma following a crash at the Vuelta a Espana on 30 August.

The Lotto-Soudal rider suffered concussion as well as facial injuries and rib fractures in the accident, 50km from the finish of the eighth stage.

Boeckmans' team say he is now able to talk to his family and doctors but will remain in intensive care until he can be flown back to Belgium.

On his return the 28-year-old is set to undergo surgery on his facial injuries.

Team Sky's Nicolas Roche won the 18th stage of the Vuelta a Espana on Thursday, while Tom Dumoulin kept the leader's red jersey.