Bermudian cyclist Kaden Hopkins is recovering after being knocked unconscious in a high-speed crash during a French Cup race on Sunday.

Hopkins, who was competing in the third round of the Coupe de France in a race called the Roger Walkowiak Souvenir Trophy, was involved in the crash after just 20 kilometres in cold and rainy conditions.

Trying to avoid riders in front of him at 65kph, Hopkins’ front wheel got caught in a rut at the side of the road, which sent him sideways and headfirst into a tree, but he had recovered well enough a few hours later to describe the incident in as much detail as he recalls to The Royal Gazette.

“There was a huge crash in the first 20 wheels of the peloton,” Hopkins said.

“I think a lot of the riders’ tyres were too hard because no one was expecting rain but mine were fine.

“I missed the first part of the crash because I didn’t slide, but I went off the road trying to avoid it and I hit a tree head on at 65kph. My helmet is not showing any damage but it’s difficult to know what happened in the circumstances as it’s all so fast and confusing.

“I don’t remember anything after the crash until the mechanic rolled me over.”

The race was stopped for more than 35 minutes while medics and race organisers attended to those involved in the high-speed collision with more than 40 riders forced to abandon the contest and doctors assessing Hopkins for injuries.

“The doctor did checks all around my stomach and lower back and there was no real pain,” Hopkins said

“She think’s it’s just bruising but Steven [Laurent, Vendee U director Sportif] says I will go to the hospital tomorrow in Nantes, or tonight if it gets worse.