ANNECY, France, July 23, 2009 (AFP) – German Jens Voigt insists the horror crash on the Tour de France which left him with a broken cheekbone could have been far worse.

The 37-year-old German was flown by helicopter to hospital in Grenoble after he was temporarily knocked unconscious following a high speed crash during the 16th stage from Martigny in Switzerland to Bourg Saint Maurice in the Alps.

He spent the night in intensive care to recover from facial injuries and concussion.

But with his wife Stephanie now at his side, well wishers from the peloton calling and a new contract extension, Voigt is smiling again.

“I am lucky I wasn’t more injured,” said Voigt.

“It could have been much, much worse.”

And having seen team-mate Frank Schleck win Wednesday’s 17th stage with brother Andy in third, Voigt urged the Luxembourg brothers to attack Alberto Contador’s yellow jersey.

“Concentrate only on the riding and give it everything you have,” urged Voigt.

Saxo Bank boss Bjarne Riis said he was relieved Voigt is starting to recover.

“We had expected worse,” said the Dane.

“Jens belongs in the team as one of our leaders and we have already offered him a new contract.”

Voigt hit the tarmac at over 80 kilometers per hour and his cycling helmet saved his life, said team spokesman Brian Nygaard.

“There was definitely no problem with the bike,” he said.

“It was good that he was wearing the helmet.

“That probably saved his life. The helmet was completely destroyed after the crash.”

And several riders have already offered their best wishes for a speedy recovery including seven-times Tour winner Lance Armstrong, George Hincapie and team-mate Andy Schleck.

“I am relieved that he is conscious again and getting better,” said team-mate Thor Hushovd, who was a witness at Voigt’s wedding.

“It is not nice to see someone, especially a team-mate and friend, suffer like that.”