The crash of Michael Zarate in the opening stage of the Settimana Internazionale Coppi & Bartali left everyone holding their breath. The Spanish rider from Petrolike went down during the descent of Cherasco and was rushed to the hospital in Verduno. The few reports circulating on social media suggested the worst, but this morning, just before the start of the second stage in Lodi, the team gave us a clear picture of the situation.

"Michael slipped along the Cherasco descent, right on one of the hairpin turns, he fell alone and hit the right side of his face. He was immediately assisted by the Team General Store doctor who was behind him and by the on-course medical staff, then he was rushed to the emergency room in Verduno and subsequently to the Maxillofacial unit in Cuneo. He underwent a double cranial CT scan that ruled out any damage, at the moment he is in a medically induced coma and the medical report indicates multiple fractures to the mandible and zygomatic bone, at this moment the doctors are evaluating whether to operate on him today or in the coming days," explained sports director Andrea Peschi to tuttobiciweb. At the moment, next to the boy, hospitalized in Cuneo, is team manager Marco Bellini who is monitoring the situation while awaiting all medical updates.

It was news that shook the entire cycling world and in which it was essential to take appropriate measures, wait to provide various updates and avoid unnecessary alarmism. The boy's family is currently on the other side of the world, in Mexico, and the team is trying to provide all necessary assistance while keeping them informed. "The boy is always with someone, Marco Bellini is constantly by his side and is keeping the family informed about his condition, we are trying to make sure he lacks for nothing. As soon as the news leaked out, general panic broke out, but I want to emphasize that fortunately he was never in life-threatening danger, the medically induced coma is a medical procedure that is applied in these cases. We continue to monitor the situation and hope to receive positive updates," Peschi continued.

Despite thoughts remaining with the hospital in Cuneo, the race goes on and Michael's teammates are currently racing, trying to perform in the best way possible. "Michael is a young rider, and despite being only in his first year with us, he immediately integrated into the team and created a wonderful atmosphere where everyone is united. What happened to him has obviously shaken us, but it was right to inform his teammates. Last night, after dinner, as soon as we received the medical report, we gathered the boys and reassured them. First and foremost, we wanted to be clear and honest with them, we explained how the crash happened and his current condition. Now we can only cheer for him and hope he recovers soon," added Peschi, wishing Michael Zarate a speedy recovery.