GT Racer, Luc Alphand has been injured while competing in the Rand'Auvergne motorcycle rally.

Commenting to AFP Alphand's manager, Philippe Poincioux said, "From what I understand Luc did not lose consciousness."

"There is no danger of brain damage. We think that he fractured his spine. Mentally it's a big blow for him knowing that he will be unable to move for some time. He is really down even though he knows he has been lucky it was not worse. He is in great physical shape and that will help recovery."

It is thought that Alphand was riding over a jump when he fell from his machine. His head and upper body took the brunt of the fall.

Alphand was taken to a hospital in Clermont Ferrand and underwent many tests. These tests revealed the presence of multiple lesions on the vertebrae C7 to T1 with a violation of the cervical spine and dorsal spinal cord and a threat due to fragments of vertebrae.

Following the tests, Alphand underwent four hours of surgery. Doctors were confident of the operation's success and more will be known after Alphand wakes from the anesthetic.

Sam Tickell