The university hospital near Bogotá, where Bernal was taken, said in a statement that the 25-year-old had multiple surgeries. Bernal is now scheduled to stay in intensive care for 72 hours. The completion of an operation on the thoracic spine is still awaited, following which there should be new information.
His team Ineos-Grenadiers only confirmed the accident on Monday evening and that Bernal was in the hospital, responsive and stable. Bernal was to lead the British team to the tour as captain this year.
Ineos Grenadiers initially did not provide any further information on the accident in Gachancipa, around 30 km from the capital Bogota. According to local transport authorities, however, Bernal crashed into a bus when the vehicle stopped at a bus stop.
Photos from the scene of the accident circulated on social media. In the pictures, Bernal can be seen lying on the ground and surrounded by his teammates, as well as a dent in the back of the bus.
Near miss just a few days ago
Bernal recently prepared for the upcoming season with parts of his team in his home country. Just a few days ago, the South American and his colleagues narrowly escaped an accident during a training drive when a vehicle that had apparently gone out of control sped towards the group of drivers and the group was able to avoid it with difficulty.
The crash at the beginning of the week set Bernal back in setting goals for the upcoming competitions. When he can sit in the racing saddle once more is initially open. Bernal had announced big goals at the beginning of the year. He wants to return to the Tour, he said following extending his contract with Ineos Grenadiers until 2026.
2021 victory at the Giro d’Italia for the first time
Bernal was in 2020 for the last time in the Tour of France, a year following his surprise success. Due to a back injury, however, he had to give up early and thus buried his hopes of successfully defending his title. Last year, Bernal decided not to start at the Grand Boucle, instead he started at the Giro d’Italia – and won it for the first time.
Until his accident, Bernal wanted to focus on the Great Loop once more. “I’ve signed for the best years of my life,” said Bernal when announcing the continued collaboration with his team.
sid/dpa
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Stand: 25.01.2022, 07:41
