Dutch cyclist Milan Vader is in a "stable" condition after suffering a serious injury in the fifth stage of the Tour of the Basque Country.
The 26-year-old is having stents being placed in his carotid arteries because they are narrowed, his father told the Provincial Zeeuwse Courant. Vader has also suffered broken vertebrae, a broken collarbone and a broken shoulder blade in the fall.
The Jumbo-Visma rider was taking part in the 100km descent and plunged over the guardrail whilst part of the pack.
His team shared a message on social media saying: "Following the reports about Milan Vader after his crash in today's stage of Itzulia Basque Country, we would like to inform you that his situation is stable. Milan is receiving very good medical care in the university medical hospital in Bilbao. An update will be shared tomorrow."
Vader was riding just his third race for Jumbo-Visma after making his debut at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana in February.
Last summer, Vader took part in the Olympic Games on his mountain bike and finished in tenth place in Tokyo.
Following his recent transition to road cycling he said: “We have talked about the path for the coming years. Racing on the road is relatively new for me. I used to race on the road, but not very much. I am very much looking forward to it.
“I like that everything is focused on performance at Team Jumbo-Visma. I expect to learn a lot and to develop myself as an athlete. A big goal will be the Olympic Games in Paris. I hope to win a medal on the mountain bike. Team Jumbo-Visma is the perfect option to help me with that."
Merijn Zeeman, sportive director of Jumbo-Visma said last year: “We see a lot of potential in him. He is physically extremely talented. He is technically very good on the bike. Also, his personality appeals to us very much. Milan is someone who is very willing to invest in himself and can work well together.”
