Doctors have "achieved incredible things": UAE boss gives update on Baroncini
TOUR
· 25.08.2025
Filippo Baroncini of UAE Team Emirates - XRG is on the road to recovery after his serious crash at the Tour of Poland. The 24-year-old Italian, who fell during the 3rd stage on 6th Augusthas successfully undergone two complex operations at the Niguarda Hospital in Milan. "We can say that the worst is over, but we have to be patient and not rush things. Filippo needs to take the time he needs to recover," explained Mauro Gianetti, team manager of the squad, to the Italian portal tuttobiciweb. The serious fall had serious consequences for the cyclist: "What happened to him was not just an ordinary fall. We can now say that the worst is over and Filippo has an incredible character. He surprised us with the way he dealt with such a difficult situation," added Gianetti. Baroncini underwent jaw and facial surgery as well as spinal surgery on 19 August, having already undergone surgery on his collarbone in Poland.
Complex medical interventions with Filippo Baroncini
The medical procedures that Baroncini had to undergo were extremely demanding. "The face was disfigured and you can't imagine what the doctors at Niguarda Hospital did," reported Gianetti. He particularly emphasised the work of Professor Gabriele Canzi, a specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery, and surgeon Davide Colistra. "They have achieved something incredible in more than eleven hours of surgery. Medical science has made enormous progress in recent years. Things are possible that were unthinkable until a few years ago," continued Gianetti. He did not want to disclose the details of the operation. Despite the severity of his injuries, Baroncini is now on the road to recovery. He can speak and is already receiving relatives and friends. His state of mind is good and there is a possibility that he could be discharged from hospital in the coming days.
Criticism of primary care
Andrea Agostini, Chief Operating Officer of the team, also commented on Baroncini's condition, but also took the opportunity to criticise the initial treatment after the accident. "What happened to Filippo is unbelievable and raises some questions. There is a lot of talk about safety and the discussion always focuses on the teams and the riders, who are also penalised, as well as the mechanical means with the proposal to reduce the gear ratios, but I wonder: are the organisers exempt from everything?" said Agostini. He emphasised that he was not accusing anyone, but merely asking questions. "Before being transported to hospital, Filippo was lying on the ground for over forty minutes in a conscious state. It is unclear why he was loaded into an ambulance and then not taken to the nearest hospital, as the circumstances would have required, while waiting for another ambulance to arrive," Agostini explained. "Filippo's face was disfigured, you can't wait that long with a blow to the skull like that."
Thanks to the INEOS team
Despite the criticism of the first aid, Agostini also emphasised positive aspects, in particular the help provided by the INEOS team. "In this matter we have to thank the Ineos doctor, Dr Robert Kempers, and Michal Kwiatkowski," said Agostini. Kwiatkowski, who crashed along with Baroncini and other riders, was immediately reached by his team doctor. "Michal Kwiatkowski told him that he was fine and didn't need anything, but that he should help Filippo because he had immediately recognised that the situation was dramatic," explained Agostini. "Dr Kempers did a great job, he carried out the first rescue operations and we can only be grateful to him, which confirms that cycling is a big family where competition is very strong, but in important moments we are all there for each other." Baroncini's recovery will now continue to be closely monitored, with his team assuring him of the necessary time and support for a full recovery.
