The ropes and stretcher with the rider strapped in shows the complexity of the rescue operation needed to get the Astana man back after his plunge.
As Nicolas Roche and his Team Sky’s colleagues were riding flat out to protect Geraint Thomas’s yellow jersey from a barrage of attacks on the final stage of Paris-Nice, some of those from rival teams had other concerns.
Astana’s Daniil Fominykh broke a number of bones in his back after coming off the road and crashing over a cliff wall into a ravine.
The 24-year-old suffered the spectacular crash between L'Escarène and Grave Peille.
There were real concerns for his safety given just how far he had fallen when he came off the road and into the sheer drop from it.
Advertisement
The photo that shows just how far down the ravine the Astana man went.
However, according to reports he thankfully maintained consciousness throughout and was eventually rescued, though not before being stuck where he had fallen to for a prolonged period.
Astana said in a statement the Kazakh had fractured two lumbar vertebrae and would be out for at least one month.
Related News
His crash forced the emergency services to maintain the road closures long after the race had departed with a large team of personnel needed to winch him to safety and attend to his needs.
The French media said a total of 10 local police officers, 10 fire fighting personnel, three police bike squad and a team from mountain rescue were involved.
Some of the personnel were lowered down to Fominykh with stretch he was tied to and which was then winched back up to the road in a tricky but ultimate successful operation.
The video
Fominykh has never lost consciousness. He will have to wear the bust and needs a period of rest. #forzaDaniil pic.twitter.com/nGvr05SZsL
— Astana Pro Team (@AstanaTeam) March 13, 2016
From his hospital bed
Даниил Фоминых передаёт всем привет и чтобы не переживали!Daniil Fominykh says hello to his friends, family and fans!
Posted by Astana Cycling Team on Sunday, 13 March 2016
Topics
