One day after the dramatic collapse of his team-mate Sonny Colbrelli, German sprinter Phil Bauhaus narrowly missed out on victory on the second stage of the Tour of Catalonia.
After 202.4 kilometres from L'Escala to Perpignan, the 27-year-old was beaten by a few centimetres by Australian Kaden Groves. Frenchman Hugo Hofstetter came third. Norwegian Jonas Iversby Hvideberg from the German DSM team took the lead in the overall standings.
The Italian Colbrelli is on the road to recovery after his dramatic collapse at the end of the first stage of the Tour of Catalonia. "It was scary at first, but I'm already thinking about when I can race again," Colbrelli told the Italian newspaper "Gazzetta dello Sport". His team Bahrain Victorious also confirmed that he was conscious and feeling well.
According to the statement, the European champion is in contact with family and friends while he recovers in hospital and the cause of the incident is being investigated. "All cardiac tests carried out last night showed no signs of concern or impaired function," the team announced.
Colbrelli hospitalised after collapsing
Colbrelli collapsed and fell unconscious after the final sprint of the opening stage of the Tour of Catalonia on Monday. According to his team, the sprint specialist received immediate medical treatment in the finish area and was then taken to hospital. Team boss Milan Erzen had said that Colbrelli was in a bad way, but that he was conscious and talking. The professional cyclist has no recollection of the incident. "I crossed the line and then fell to the ground," explained Colbrelli. He only remembered when he woke up in hospital.
Colbrelli had previously taken second place in the uphill sprint to the finish of the first stage. Spanish media reported that the 31-year-old underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation after he fell unconscious.
The tour continues on Wednesday with the third stage over 161.1 kilometres from Perpignan to Molina. The tour ends on Sunday in Barcelona.
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