BOGOTA, Colombia – Former Tour de France champion Egan Bernal said he was very close to being paralyzed after a bus accident.
The accident occurred while the 25-year-old Bernal was training on the road in his home country, Colombia. The 2019 Tour winner is undergoing intensive treatment.
Bernal said on Twitter that he had a “95% chance of quitting the quadriplegic” and dying. He thanked his fans, doctors and family for their support.
Bernal is expected to undergo two surgeries, one on his right hand and another with his mouth.
The Colombian had recently trained with several members of his team near his hometown of Zipaquira, which is 2,650 meters (8,600 feet) above sea level. Police said he hit the back of a bus that had run to drop off a passenger and was parked in the emergency lane.
Bernal has one of the most promising careers in cycling. The Colombian won the Tour at the age of 21, one of the youngest ever. He also triumphed at the Giro d’Italia last year.
Former Tour de France winner Egan Bernal was nearly paralyzed. Originally appeared on NBCSports.com