Nat Bromhead
Jay Vine continues to recover in hospital after last week’s shocking crash at the Itzulia Basque Country race, the talented Aussie being one of several big-name riders to crash out.
The most serious and significant setback of the 28-year-old rider’s career, Vine had shown sensational form this year and finished second in the race’s initial time-trial.
Close to the front when the mass crash occurred, Vine went down heavily and was seen to be motionless in a roadside ditch for several minutes.
He was transported to the Intensive Care Unit at a nearby hospital with UAE Team Emirates later saying he had suffered three fractured vertebrae among other injuries. He has subsequently avoided surgery but will wear a neck brace for the next 6 weeks.
‘A Horrific Crash’
Jay’s wife Bre, who is pregnant with the couple’s first child, later took to social media to write –
‘There’s no doubt this was a horrific crash, and this is hard (and going to be hard for a long time). This sport can be cruel, and we’ve been reminded of how cruel it can be,” Bre Vine wrote. “I will admit when I saw the live coverage of him just lying there not moving for such a long time, I genuinely wasn’t sure if I still had a husband and if the worst had happened.’
Jay Vine continues to recover in hospital and is hoping to soon return to the couple’s home base in Andorra.
‘Thanks so much for all the messages,’ he wrote to supporters on social media.
‘I’m tracking as well as can be expected, I have been able to walk around my room with the aid of a walker, and taking the first step was pretty emotional after what I’ve been through.
‘Waiting to get home to Andorra, but the folks in the hospital have been A + with the care I have received.
‘Just can’t believe that I will still be able to walk and play with my kids one day, it was pretty scary for a couple of days when we weren’t sure if surgery or neurological problems might present themselves.
‘Long road ahead for my recovery, but I am looking forward to getting the process rolling.’
Bicycling Australia wish both Jay & Bree Vine all the best during this challenging and difficult time. Get well soon Jay!
