Lotto Soudal are optimistic that rider Gerben Thijssen will recover from a horrific crash at the Ghent Six Day that saw him suffer three small brain haemorrhages.
The 21-year-old Belgian also broke his collarbone and three ribs when he crashed on the final lap of the supersprint after contact with Danish rider Oliver Wulff Frederiksen, 19.
Lotto Soudal said Thijssen was in stable condition in intensive care at the UZ Hospital in Ghent.
"Fortunately there is some slight optimism," the team said on Twitter.
"Less than 18 hours after his terrible crash, Gerben was able to have a small conversation with his family."
Race goes on without @Thijssen_Gerben in Gent. Fortunately there is some slight optimism. Less than 18h after his terrible crash, Gerben was able to have a small conversation with his family. Keep fighting, Gerben 💪 📸 Photonews. #ghent6day #zesdaagsegent #lottosoudal pic.twitter.com/kkU3B5qGHy
— Lotto Soudal (@Lotto_Soudal) November 13, 2019
In August, Lotto Soudal cyclist Bjorg Lambrecht of Belgium died after crashing in the Tour of Poland. He was 22.