Cycling: There was a tremendous moment of shock during yesterday's Giro stage from Rapallo to Sestri Levante (to the report): Team ag2r-La Mondiale's Domenico Pozzovivo fell and remained motionless on the fast and demanding Barbagelata descent. After his team confirmed yesterday that "Pozzo" was conscious when he was transported to the hospital, it is now clear that the 32-year-old was lucky in his misfortune.
The terrible pictures of Pozzovivo lying on the ground inevitably brought back memories of Wouter Weylandt, who died in an accident four years ago at the Giro. Fortunately, there was some relief soon after, as the medical staff on site waved through the first ambulance and waited for the specially called ambulance. The message quickly spread on Italian television that Pozzovivo was conscious and could move his arms and legs – everyone involved breathed a sigh of relief.
The 32-year-old was then taken to the hospital in Genoa by rescue helicopter. The chief physician of the Giro, Dr. Giovanni Tredici, however, emphasized that the reason for the helicopter mission was not the severity of the injury, but rather the roads of Liguria: "The roads here in Liguria are not very good and the clinic in Genoa has excellent traumatology, so it was much easier to use the helicopter," Pozzovivo's condition “serious but under control. We are not in an emergency situation.” Immediately after his day's win, Michael Matthews (Orica-GreenEdge) also commented on the incident: “Unfortunately, I had to watch the fall because I was riding four wheels behind him. It's horrible when something like this happens and I don't know what to say. I just hope he's okay. Something like that breaks your heart and together with the team I dedicate my victory to him.”
This morning, the ag2r-La Mondiale team doctor, Dr. Eric Bouvat on Pozzovivo's injuries. The Italian suffered head trauma and some deep lacerations over his right eye in the fall. Even if he has no memory of the accident, the doctors ruled out serious brain injuries. The entire Velomotion team wishes a speedy recovery! Hopefully the drivers will stick with the Today's fourth stage to La Spezia saves falls.