Team Garmin-Slipstream’s Christian Vande Velde, who crashed out of the Giro d’Italia during stage three, continues to undergo examinations at home in Girona. The results so far have confirmed that he sustained one rib fracture, a severe contusion and sprain to his mid-back and a hairline fracture to his pelvis but team doctor Prentice Steffen cautions, “We need to continue to run tests, so it is still too soon to speculate on the extent of his injuries or how they will affect racing and training.”
“Christian is incredibly strong and a seasoned pro, so we know he will pull through this. As a team, we just want him to take the time to heal properly. That is what’s most important,” said Matt White, director at Garmin-Slipstream who continues to direct the team at the Giro d”Italia. “As for the team that remains in the Giro, we are down a leader in Italy but the guys will continue to race each day with Christian in mind.”
Vande Velde remains cautiously optimistic: “I’m taking it day by day. The first couple of days were excruciating but the pain is getting more manageable. I’m going to keep working with the team’s medical staff and let them determine when I can get back on the bike. I can’t thank everyone enough for all of the concern and support. I know Lucas, who is also recovering from a crash, feels the same.”
