The day of the World Cup Downhill in Maribor, Slovenia, started well for Josh Bryceland (Santa Cruz Syndicate), but didn't end that way. Going into the competition, Bryceland was feeling confident and excited to race.
In the final, Bryceland pinned it into a rock garden and ended up flying through the air, superman style, before he crashed into the stumps below. After a few minutes, Bryceland got up and walked away, but his injuries didn't become apparent until later.
"He was four meters high (in the air), and flew so far, he was going so fast," said fellow competitor Cedric Gracia. "He slammed into the ground, I can't believe he didn't die."
Joined by his mom Luisa in the first aid area, Bryceland first appeared to be just badly bruised and with a chipped tooth, but otherwise ok. However, as he was about to leave the area, he became nauseous, and his smashed up helmet seemed clear evidence of a concussion. The rider was then taken to the hospital for observation where it was revealed that he suffered a leg injury - apparently a quad muscle torn from the bone. Bryceland was headed home to the UK where he was expected to undergo surgery to repair the damage.
