Three-time madison world champion Amy Pieters underwent surgery for head injuries and was placed in an artificial coma after a crash on Thursday, her SD Worx team said on Friday.
The 30-year-old crashed on Thursday on a training ride in Calpe, Spain, and underwent surgery in nearby Alicante later that day.
"Yesterday Amy Pieters was operated on her head. During this operation, the doctors took away the pressure in her head that was created by the fall. Amy will be kept asleep the coming days," SD Worx said in a statement.
"When the doctors wake her up in a few days, it will be possible to make an assessment of the possible damage. Her family has travelled to the hospital."
Update situation Amy Pieters
— Team SD Worx (@teamsdworx) December 24, 2021
Yesterday Amy Pieters was operated on her head. During this operation, the doctors took away the pressure in her head that was created by the fall. Amy will be kept asleep the coming days.
More info:https://t.co/eNW5rxbPfx pic.twitter.com/QQqEhtAFUH
Pieters is a specialist in endurance track events.
She has won the madison world title the last three years with compatriot Kirsten Wild and was crowned European road race champion in 2019.