site.btaSpanish Cyclist Marc Soler Hospitalized in Pirogov University Hospital in Stable Condition

Spanish cyclist Marc Soler of the UAE Team Emirates has been admitted to the Pirogov University Hospital for Emergency Medicine in Sofia after a crash on Saturday during Stage 2 of the Giro d’Italia from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo.

The hospital issued an official statement saying that a 32-year-old cyclist was admitted to the trauma department in stable condition. Among those injured in crash, the only rider whose age matches the one specified by the hospital is Soler. UAE Team Emirates have not yet issued an official comment on the incident.

“Late last night [Saturday], the injured participant in the Giro d’Italia cycling race was transported to the Pirogov University Hospital for Emergency Medicine in Sofia. The 32-year-old patient underwent examinations and tests. He has been admitted for treatment and observation in the hospital’s trauma department. The patient is in stable condition,” the hospital said in its statement.

The incident involved at least 13 cyclists around 22 kilometres from the finish. Wet roads, sharp elevation changes and a brief lapse in concentration are believed to have contributed to the incident. Among those caught up in the crash were Canadian rider Derek Gee, British contender Adam Yates and Portuguese cyclist António Morgado, who had been considered one of the favourites ahead of Friday’s start of the Giro. Racing resumed with approximately 18 kilometres remaining.

Stage 2 of the Giro D'Italia crossed Bulgaria from south to north, running through mountain terrain and medieval capitals.