As a result of his bad crash during today’s sixth stage of the Tour de Suisse, Colombian rider Juan Mauricio Soler has been placed in a medically induced coma by doctors at the hospital he was taken to in St. Gallen.
Soler crashed into a spectator and then hit a barrier soon after the start. He suffered serious injuries and was quickly airlifted to hospital.
Medical examination has now revealed the seriousness of his condition. He suffered a severe cranioencephalic trauma with cerebral edema [in layman’s terms, a severe head injury accompanied by excess fluid in the brain]. In addition to that, he suffered multiple fractures and hematomas. Some reports also suggest that he has a punctured lung.
Cerebral edema can be a serious condition as it puts pressure on the brain and can cause further damage, hours after the initial impact.
His Movistar team is awaiting further news. “The rider will stay in the intensive care unit, where the medical services from the Swiss hospital are still making the necessary medical tests to check the evolution of his injuries,” it said.
“He has serious injuries, but we can not say now if his life is in danger,” said Dr. Robert Kretsch, according to l’Equipe.
Soler won the second stage of the race on Monday and took over the race lead. The yellow jersey passed to Damiano Cunego (Lampre-ISD) on Tuesday, but Soler remained in striking distance. He started today’s stage second overall, 54 seconds back.
Many of Soler’s fellow professionals have expressed their concerns and, like many in the sport, wish him well in the days and weeks ahead.