Colombian cyclist Juan Mauricio Soler is recovering “slowly but favorably” from his injuries sustained in the Tour of Switzerland, Colombian media reported Tuesday.
Afredo Zuñiga, the team’s physician, explained that it does not appear that Soler has a serious spinal injury, but that it could not be ruled out. Zuñiga also reported that he is no longer using a breathing apparatus and is currently breathing on his own.
“He is not in a coma, but remains in a high state of drowsiness and spends most of his time sleeping… when he has moments of lucidity he obeys simple commands.”
Zuñiga added that Soler could soon be returning to his home in Spain.
“His development is very slow, but he is taking small steps and the doctors are thinking of taking him from the ICU. Therefore, we have already started all the paperwork to transfer him to Pamplona.”
The 28-year-old cyclist was airlifted to St. Gallen Hospital after a serious fall in the sixth stage of the Tour of Switzerland. At the time of the accident, Soler was in second place and less than a minute behind the leader.
Zuñiga reiterated that “it will still be a long process and very slow, therefore it may be several weeks without news.”