The GB cycling team has said that Olympic cyclist Jonny Bellis’ condition has continued to improve and is now able to communicate.

“Jonny is doing really well since the last update and is communicating by writing messages on a white board. They are looking into flying him to London shortly,” said the statement.

The 21-year-old 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 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.