MTN-Qhubeka cyclist Matt Brammeier was hospitalised during Stage 6 of the Tour of Utah after a horrific crash that involved another team’s car.
Brammeier was descending down Guardsman Pass in Big Cottonwood Canyon when he approached a hairpin bend with too much speed.
The Irishman was unable to slow in time to make the turn or avoid crashing at high speed into the team car that was turning the corner in front of him.
Brammeier was rushed to University Hospital where he was assessed as being in a stable condition despite severe injuries to his ribs, pelvis and one lung.
In the aftermath of the crash, two more cyclists were unable to avoid a tumble as team members attempted to assess Brammeier’s condition and clear the road.
Team doctor Jarrad van Zuydam updated the media on Brammeier’s condition on Sunday.
“Thankfully, Matt has suffered no head, neck or spinal injuries and is currently stable in hospital.
“His musculoskeletal injuries are significant, however. He suffered rib fractures on both sides as well as a small pneumothorax. He also has fractures of the sacral and pelvic bones.”
Brammeier took to Twitter after the crash, appearing to be in relatively high spirits.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Or he was just going way to quick for the corner. Looking at this and other footage, there were a few other riders that went too deep into the corner, but obviously not as bad as Brammeier.
bryan
Guest
See how his back wheel gets off the ground? I reckon he smashed on his brakes too hard, lost balance, and body weight moved to over the handle bars, giving bugger all traction for the brakes. At that point, all he could do was hold on, and hope for the best.
Scott Pryde
Expert
That was an insane crash. He is very, very lucky the injuries he got are the only ones he got.
Geoff Parkes
Expert
He was very, very lucky he hit the car - there was a tree there with his name on it.
delbeato
Roar Guru
I'd start with figuring out what caused him to enter at 3 x the speed he could have made the corner with.
144
Roar Guru
That's horrible, id there any way, and i'm sure they've tried but can they do something to prevent things like this occurring?
Brutal