Lotto-Intermarché rider Milan Mentin says he plans to visit a therapist after being involved in the horror crash that left teenage American pro Ezra Caudell with serious injuries at the Philadelphia Cycling Classic.
19-year-old Caudell, who races for Modern Adventure Pro Cycling, is currently in hospital receiving treatment for what his team has described as “multi-system trauma” after being knocked unconscious during Sunday’s race.
Mentin and Caudell crashed midway through the one-day event, returning this year after a decade-long absence, as they attempted to bridge across to the breakaway. Speaking to Het Laatste Nieuws in Belgium, Mentin revealed that his young breakaway companion had lost control of his bike after hitting something on the road, causing him to crash into a lamppost.
“About halfway through the race, Ezra and I wanted to bridge across to the breakaway,” he said. “We got to within ten metres of the final rider when he looked back to see how big our lead over the peloton was.
“Unfortunately, Ezra lost his balance because of this and his front wheel hit either the kerb or a manhole. His front wheel broke and he flew full force into a lamppost. He took me down with him.”
According to local reports, Caudell was knocked unconscious by the crash, but regained consciousness as he was being treated at the roadside. While suffering whiplash and ligament damage himself, Mention told the Belgian newspaper that he realised immediately that Caudell’s condition was serious.
“I was in a lot of pain myself, but I could see straight away that it was bad. He just wasn’t moving,” he said.
“It took a long time for help to arrive, because there were hardly any fans on that stretch. Suddenly, a doctor approached and she was able to move him safely. It was not until much later that we were taken to the hospital by ambulance.”
In a statement released on Tuesday, Modern Adventure said: “Ezra remains hospitalised and is actively receiving care for multi-system trauma he sustained as a result of his crash at the Philadelphia Cycling Classic.
“He has an incredible team working diligently and family at his bedside. We are grateful for the thoughts and ongoing outpouring of support.”
Mentin said he was in contact with the American teenager’s team on Tuesday evening, who gave him a more detailed overview of the extent of Caudell’s injuries, which the 29-year-old says involve extensive damage to his lungs and brain.
“He is not doing very well,” Menten said. “He is stable, but his lungs and bones have been severely damaged. The damage to his brain is causing them particular concern. Only when they bring him out of the induced coma will they be able to give a real update. I hope for him and his family that everything turns out well.”
The shocking nature of the crash has also psychologically impacted Mentin, who says he plans to receive professional support to help him cope.
“It is the first time I have experienced something like this up close,” he said. “I plan to go to a therapist to talk about this.
“Physically, I’m doing pretty okay. I suffered whiplash and a ligament was also damaged, but otherwise I’ve been very lucky. Especially when I see how Ezra is doing.”
Georgia-born Caudell turned professional this year with ProTeam outfit Modern Adventure and is widely regarded as one of most promising young American talents in the peloton.
The 19-year-old was the youngest rider at this year’s Paris-Roubaix, finishing 121st, before finishing seventh in the elite race and fourth in the U23 event at the US road race championships in June.
