Young South African cyclist Keagan Girdlestone was taken off a ventilator for a short period and declared to be stable by medical staff at the hospital in Rimini, Italy, following an accident at the weekend.
Keagan Girdlestone pictured winning the final stage of this year’s Bestmed Tour of Good Hope. Photo: Warren Elsom
The 19-year-old Dimension Data rider appears to be over the worst following a statement on his Facebook page that he is now “stable and there is no immediate threat to life”.
Girdlestone was taken off a ventilator (assisted breathing) when he went for scans and was able to breathe on his own. He was put back on the ventilator after the scans were completed to further assist in his recovery.
While his immediate situation has improved, it was acknowledged that there is still a long way to go in his recovery. The family have sent thanks to everyone who has lent support and encouragement in the past few days.
Girdlestone, who now resides in New Zealand, was competing in the Italian Coppa della Pace race when the accident occurred.
It happened when Girdlestone apparently crashed into one of the team vehicles at high pace on a descent.
Girdlestone’s Dimension Data team urged him to “keep fighting” in a Twitter post on Monday.
