The Garmin-Sharp team had a difficult Wednesday, with two of its riders being sidelined as a result of crashes suffered in Spain and Belgium.
Christian Vande Velde has just returned to competition following his six month ban in connection with the USADA investigation into the US Postal Service team, but he looks to be facing further time away as a result of his crash.
He came down during Wednesday’s third stage of the Volta a Catalunya and was forced to withdraw from the race.
The team’s medical staff has released an update to his situation a short while ago, explaining exactly what happened and what the diagnosis was and treatment will be. “Christian Vande Velde clipped a motorcycle today at the Volta Catalunya. He suffered a fracture to his third metacarpal and will see a hand surgeon tomorrow [Thursday], where he will most likely undergo surgery.”
VeloNation subsequently requested clarification about how long he would be away from training and also racing, but was told that it was too soon for the team to be able to give an estimation.
As for Bauer, he hit the deck during the Dwars door Vlaanderen, and was initially filmed lying motionless on the ground.
Garmin-Sharp physician Dr. Kevin Sprouse gave his assessment of his situation, saying that Bauer is taking things well and has already been discharged from hospital, but that he also blacked out at the moment of the impact and that this will require the team to take precautions.
“He has been examined by the team medical staff and has been determined to have sustained a concussion as a consequence of his head injury and loss of consciousness,” he explained.
“He is doing well, is in good spirits, and is being monitored by the team staff. As per international medical guidelines, he will be progressed through the team's protocol with regard to his return to competition.”
As with Vande Velde, there is no indication yet as to when he will get back to racing.