Champion British cyclist Mark Cavendish says he’s being treated for broken ribs and a collapsed lung following a crash at a track event in Belgium.
Cavendish, 36, was rushed to hospital and spent the night in intensive care after crashing during the final race of the Ghent Six Day event.
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The crash appeared to occur as a result of water on the track, which Cavendish hinted was the case. Several riders fell, but it was the British star who suffered most and had to be taken off on a stretcher.
He was sitting in fourth alongside teammate Iljo Keisse at the time of the crash.
“Just want to say how overwhelmed and thankful I am for all the support and well-wishes,” he wrote on Twitter.
“I think it’s fair to say some water on the track. A high-speed crash and a few barrel rolls later, I’m being treated for some broken ribs and a pneumothorax.
“In a bit of pain, but a couple of nights with the incredible staff here at Ghent by University Hospital should sort me out.”
https://twitter.com/MarkCavendish/status/1462834510530232327
Belgian cyclist Jasper De Buyst, who narrowly avoided being part of the crash, was frustrated following the incident.
“Stupid that it has to happen like this,” De Buyst said.
“I had noticed the lap before that there was some water, but then I ran over it at a slower speed. The next lap it went completely wrong.”
Cavendish’s team released a statement after the crash, saying the British star is expected to make a full recovery.
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“Examinations showed that Mark has suffered two broken ribs on his left side and has a small pneumothorax (collapsed lung), both of which have been treated with medication and he has been kept in the hospital for observation,” the team said. “It is expected that Mark will be discharged either later today or tomorrow morning, and will then undergo a period of recuperation.”
The 36-year-old Cavendish has enjoyed a revival this season, equaling Eddy Merckx’s all-time record of 34 Tour de France stage wins in July.
– with AP
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