Neuwied (dpa) – professional cyclist Maximilian Walscheid survived an accident during training without serious injuries.
The 28-year-old was hit by a car and then taken to a clinic in Neuwied by helicopter. As his team Cofidis announced on Friday, Walscheid suffered various bruises.
“I was lucky that I survived this accident,” said Walscheid. “A car came from the opposite direction and suddenly drove towards me. I didn’t have time to react. Luckily I landed in the ditch, my bike was completely destroyed ten meters away.”
Walscheid had to spend the night in the hospital being monitored. “Further tests will be done on Friday. My head will be examined again and my breathing,” said the sprint and time trial specialist. Walscheid finished fourth in the Belgian one-day race Brugge-De Panne on Wednesday. After second place at Nokere-Koerse and victory at the Grand Prix Denain, it was another strong result for Simon Geschke’s teammate.