The opening stage in Catalonia today turned into a power sprint between Michael Matthews and Sonny Colbrelli. The victory belonged to Matthews, but that was quickly overshadowed by what happened after the finish.
Sonny Colbrelli collapsed 100 meters after the finish. The medical staff had to apply chest compressions. He was soon covered with white sheets and eventually taken away in an ambulance.
There were briefly fears for the worst, but reports soon came that he had regained consciousness and was able to speak.
His team Bahrain Victorious confirmed Colbrelli’s condition a few hours later. The squad only mentions that he “lost consciousness” after the finish.
Further investigations at the hospital of Girona should provide more information about what is going on with the rider.
The organization released an official statement late in the evening: “Colbrelli lost consciousness with convulsions and cardiac arrest.” CPR and a defibrillator were used in the resuscitation, the communiqué said.
Colbrelli returned to the peloton in Catalonia. He had let Milan-Sanremo pass due to illness. He had dropped out in Paris-Nice after the first stage with bronchitis.
Last year Colbrelli had his best season, winning 8 times including the European Championship and Paris-Roubaix.
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His team communicated again on Tuesday morning. “In the hospital, Sonny Colbrelli felt okay. He is in touch with his family and friends.”
“He will undergo further tests on Tuesday to determine the cause of the events.”
“Monday night’s heart tests revealed no signs of agitation or impaired functions.”
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