Over a month after he crashed heavily in the Tour of Britain and sustained a head injury and a severe concussion, Tyler Farrar has been given the green light to resume training and to begin his preparation for the 2013 season.
The Garmin-Sharp rider hit the deck close to the end of stage one of the British race. While he managed to finish, his team revealed afterwards that he had hit his head hard and had been taken to hospital.
At the time team doctor Prentice Steffen explained the team was going to play things very safe. “The team has a strict head injury policy and protocol and Tyler continues to undergo evaluation. Team medical staff is working closely with him to monitor his condition.”
Six days after the crash, it was then announced that he had been forced to give up his place on the US team for the world road race championships due to the fall.
Farrar has continued to consult with team medical staff in the meantime and today Steffen confirmed that he was now in a position to return to the road and knuckle down again.
“The health of the athlete is always our top priority,” said Steffen to VeloNation. “We have worked closely with Tyler to monitor his progress post-injury and we have worked together as an organization and with Tyler to determine the best path for him for the rest of the season.
“That path was to focus on recovery and training, after he was ready to do so. We are happy to report that he is symptom-free at this point, and back on the bike, training without limitation."
Farrar’s season is consequently at an end and he will focus on returning in good shape in 2013.
The 28 year old had a largely frustrating season, but bounced back to take two stage wins and the points jersey in the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.