Bellis undergoes successful surgery, remains in coma

Manx cyclist Jonathan Bellis underwent successful surgery this morning to remove a blood clot in his brain. He remains in an induced coma and in critical but stable condition one week after a motor scooter crash near Quarrata, Italy.

Doctors at a hospital in Careggi, north of Firenze, preformed the surgery. Medics took Bellis, 21, to the hospital early Saturday morning and induced a coma.

Bellis suffered head injuries from the accident, which occurred near 3:30 in Quarrata. He was wearing a helmet and travelling along Via IV Novembre.

The cause of the accident is still unknown and local police are investigating.

National British Under-23 director Max Sciandri immediately joined Bellis at the hospital. Bellis' parents flew from the Isle of Man on Saturday.

Bellis was training in Quarrata with other British riders, including fellow Manx Mark Cavendish. British Cycling had him listed as a possible member of its elite World Championships team. The race takes place on Sunday in Mendrisio, Switzerland.

Bellis finished third in the 2007 Under-23 World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany. He turned professional with Team Saxo Bank this season after a trainee period last fall.

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