Boeckmans to remain in medically induced coma
Lotto Soudal rider stable following Vuelta a Espana crash but to remain in coma for seven days
Kris Boeckmans will remain in a medically induced hospital due to injuries sustained in a stage 8 crash at the Vuelta a España for the next seven days due to numerous lung injuries causing difficulty for the Lotto Soudal rider to breathe independently. On Monday Lotto Soudal revealed the 28-year-old suffered no brain injuries from the crash but have diagnosed Boeckmans with concussion, pneumothorax, laceration of the lung, bleeding of the lung and swollen pulmonary tissue.
A statement from the team explained Boeckmans situation as "stable", adding "These injuries are the consequence of the impact on the chest. At the moment the swollen pulmonary tissue prevents an intake of oxygen via the alveoli. This swelling has to disappear slowly in a natural way. The bleeding in the lungs is kept under control by a drain which was already introduced in the thorax earlier."
On Monday the team explained it would attempt to reduce medication to wake up Boeckmans in "24 to 48 hours" although team doctor Servaas Bingé stressed it was a "day by day" situation.
The team added Boeckmans family was grateful for the messages of support but would not be making any public comments regarding the situation.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*
Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets
After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59
Join now for unlimited access
Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1