World time trial champion loses consciousness and suffers fractured cheekbone
Tony Martin (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) has been hit by a car while out training near his home in Switzerland, his team has reported. The World time trial champion reportedly lost consciousness following the impact, and was immediately transported to the local hospital in Munsterlingen. He has been diagnosed with a fractured cheekbone, which will probably require surgery.
Martin was transferred this morning to the University Hospital in Zurich, where his condition has been reported as stable. There he will undergo further examination, in cooperation with the Omega Pharma-Quick Step medical staff, to define the treatment that he will require.
26-year-old Martin – who will celebrate his 27th birthday in eleven days’ time – has made a steady start to the 2012 season, with second place overall in February’s Volta ao Algarve, and fifth in last week’s Vuelta al Pais Vasco. He had returned home to Switzerland to prepare for his next target, the Tour de Romandie in the south of the country, which he will, of course, now not ride.
His main target for the summer will be the Tour de France, which he has said he will prioritise ahead of the Olympic Games in London, which come just a week after the race.
The German – nicknamed the ‘Panzerwagen’ is currently being constantly monitored by hospital staff, as well as his team’s medical team, and his family is at his bedside. More news on his condition, and prescribed treatment, will be released by the team soon.