German says he’s got multiple fractures
Following on from the earlier news that Tony Martin had been hospitalized after a collision with a car, the German has given an update as to his condition, the circumstances of the accident and the severity of the facial injuries he has suffered.
“Zygomatic [cheekbone – ed.] fracture, broken jaw, broken eye socket,” he wrote on his online blog, listing three separate breaks to his skull. “I don’t know exactly how the collision with the car transpired yesterday. I can’t remember the accident and was unconscious for about 15 minutes. What I know is that I was going about 35 to 40 km/h on a gently sloping bike path, and a women probably crossed it with her car. Then the lights went out. And when they came back on, I saw above me the heads of policemen who have asked me my name and date of birth and such things.”
The Omega Pharma Quick Step rider finished the Vuelta al Pais Vasco last week in fifth place overall. He was also third in the time trial. The results were his best since finishing second in the Volta ao Algarve in February.
He had been preparing for the Tour de Romandie, which begins in twelve days’ time. That now appears out of the question. His manager has indicated that he’s likely to undergo an operation next week, then he will continue to recover.
Martin’s blog documents the extent of his injuries. It makes for sobering reading. “After a night in hospital in Münster, I lie now in Zurich. Here, there are the necessary specialists that can help me to recover. My left side of the face is totally smashed. My left eye is bloodshot and completely swollen shut. My left arm hurts and some ribs have also been affected. Despite all this, I would rather be home. I’m actually doing quite well. My girlfriend is here and is taking care of me. My mother and my brother have come at night from Frankfurt. I’m being well fed.”
Even if his recovery is a relatively quick one, he’ll be frustrated by the disruption to his season. He said that he was nearly home when the accident happened. “Three kilometers have separated me from my front door. Actually, I had the day already behind me. Annoying, but it can happen just anytime, anywhere.”