Ion Izagirre (Bahrein-Merida) has undergone surgery for the lumbar fracture he suffered in the opening stage of the Tour de France in Düsseldorf on Saturday.
The team’s doctor Luca Pollastri said in a statement: “This morning Ion went under surgery for decompression and stabilization of lumbar vertebral fracture, which he suffered in the crash on Saturday.
“The surgery went well without any complications. Ion will remain in Germany (University Hospital of Düsseldorf) for at least 4 days before returning back home to Spain to start his recovery. ”
Recovery is expected to take a few months. The team’s medical staff is in close contact with the surgeon, who performed the operation, and is satisfied with all the feedback. They will accompany the rider through his road to recovery.”
Izagirre who started as the last rider for Bahrain-Merida in the 14-kilometre time-trial, crashed badly in a corner into a barrier.
In the statement from the team, they also said: “If on that rainy start day of Tour de France, on that tricky curve, there were some safety hay bails, all could turn out different. But we don’t want to stay concentrated on the past, the future is more important. We will help and do all possible to make Ion feel safe and comfortable in this unfortunate situation and that he will be able to return as soon as possible to the job he loves the most – cycling.”
Get well soon fella.