French rider Damien Monier (Cofidis) has been seriously injured after being hit by a car while out training near his home city of Clermont-Ferrand, according to l’Equipe. The 29-year-old has reportedly been rushed to hospital, where scans have revealed multiple fractures, including his jaw, his sinus and the base of his skull; he has also suffered severe facial bruising, but thankfully he has sustained no injuries to his spine.
“He has regained consciousness and thankfully his life is no longer in danger,” said Cofidis manager Eric Boyer.
Former national track champion Monier suffered with health problems in 2011, seeing him fail to finish, or miss, a number of races. In 2010 he rode and finish both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France; taking a solo stage victory in the Giro on the step uphill finish to Peio Terme.