The Lotto-Soudal team of Stig Broeckx have provided an update on the Belgian rider’s condition following on from the crash at the weekend at the Baloise Belgium Tour. The statement is as follows:
Because of the increased intracranial pressure Stig Broeckx had to undergo two operations today, which stabilised the intracranial pressure again. Stig will need to stay in an induced coma for a while to let his body recover from the injuries and surgery. At the moment no prognosis can be made.
As requested by the family and as agreed with the hospital, there will be no further comments. An update will follow when there are any new developments. Thanks for your understanding.
Earlier this week, team manager Marc Sergeant confirmed that after some consulation, the team decided that they would resume racing and they lined up at yesterday’s Gullegem Koerse.
“The past days have been a rollercoaster of emotions for all of us,” said Sergeant. “It is very difficult to cope with the helpless feeling we all have.”
“I have experienced that staying home doesn’t help to cope with the uncertainty and restlessness. After deliberation, with amongst other the team’s mental coach Nathan Kahan and a trauma psychologist, we decided to race the next days.”
“Not as much to set a result, but as a team, together, for each other and for Stig. We can best support each other and give each other strength, show resilience and fight, by coming together and talking to each other, with riders and staff.”
“Hope connects us now. Or like Stig’s girlfriend put it: “Despite everything I keep thinking in the most positive way, that’s something he really taught me after all those years together.”
