British Olympic cyclist Jonny Bellis has begun to emerge from a medically induced coma and is showing signs of improvement.

Bellis, 21, suffered severe head injuries after an accident on his motor scooter in Italy on September 19, and has since been receiving treatment in a hospital near Florence.

Bellis’ uncle Mike Doyle told the Telegraph, “Jonny is slowly coming out of his induced coma and is breathing without the aid of a ventilator. The doctors are doing a fantastic job but it is going to take time – they want Jonny to recover his senses gradually.”

The talented young cyclist was in his first year as a professional riding for Bjarne Riis’ Saxo Bank team. He suffered a fractured skull and bruising to his brain as a result of the crash, and the fact that he was wearing a helmet likely saved his life.