
The images of Luke Plapp's extensive road rash after his crash in the final 10 kilometres of stage 3 of the Tour Down Under made it clear the Jayco AlUla rider was going to have a painful recovery.
So much exposed red raw skin plus a team medical report that detailed a swollen ankle and elbow, meant it was no surprise when he didn’t line up to start the next day.
However, the green and gold jersey of the Australian national champion was back on the start line again on Thursday, testing his injuries and legs at the Surf Coast Classic ahead of Sunday’s Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race after a painful week of recovery.