Injury update on Ryder Hesjedal's condition after heavy crash in Tour de Suisse

Garmin-Sharp has issued an update this evening on the condition of Ryder Hesjedal, who crashed heavily during Stage 3 of the Tour de Suisse today, a race in which he was lying second overall. While badly battered and bruised, preliminary scans reveal that he did not suffer amny fractures or neurological damage.

In its statement, the team said:

Ryder Hesjedal crashed during today's stage at the Tour de Suisse, suffering a heavy blow to the neck and head. He was immediately transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Hesjedal suffered multiple, severe contusions and abrasions to the right wrist, hip and knee and left shoulder, elbow and knee.

Preliminary CTs show no fractures and no neurological pathologies. He will remain under close observation by team medical staff. Hesjedal's health is the team's priority - depending on how his recovery progresses team medical staff as of now hopes he may be able to train in a few days time, although this will depend on his recovery.

Winner of the Giro d'Italia last year, the 32-year-old's defence of that title came to a premature end last month when he was forced to abandon the race around halfway through.

Today's Tour de Suisse stage was won by Cannondale's Peter Sagan, while Swiss rider Mathias Frank of BMC Racing retains the overall lead.