Stefan Everts is no longer on the critical list after being struck down by Malaria recently. He is no longer in an induced coma but still remains very poorly at the University Hospital in Leuven.

Only family members are permitted to see him and they are asking for privacy at this terrible time.

A statement from the family says the Everts family wants to thank everyone for the many messages of support and encouraging words, although it’s not possible to answer them all individually.

The potential long-term effects of the illness are not being talked about at the moment. Our thoughts are with the ten-time world champ and his family.