Bahrain Victorious have confirmed a
cardiac issue has been diagnosed as the cause of Sonny Colbrelli collapsing
just after finishing 2nd in the bunch sprint at the end of yesterday’s stage 1
at Volta a Catalunya.
The team had earlier said his heart function
had been checked and there were no signs of "concern or compromised functions". The latest update from the team today has confirmed a heart issue.
While further tests are still required, Colbrelli has already said he is thinking about when he can return to racing, though he lost consciousness yesterday and had to be revived by medical staff.
“Following the end of stage 1 of Volta a Catalunya, our medical team
can confirm that Sonny Colbrelli suffered from an unstable cardiac arrhythmia
that required defibrillation,” the team said.
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“The cause is still to be determined,
and the Italian rider will undergo further tests tomorrow at the Hospital
Universitari de Girona.
“The team would like to thank Borja
Saenz de Cos – emergency nurse at Catalan Emergency Service) – for his prompt
assistance at the finish yesterday and for supporting our medical staff in the
management of the incident. Sonny Colbrelli’s clinical situation is good, and
we wish him a prompt recovery.”
In cases of unstable cardiac arrhythmia defibrillation
is used to give a jolt of energy to the heart, which can help restore the heart’s
rhythm, and get it beating normally again.
The condition is more common in elite athletes and their
ability to return to competition at the same level can depend on the general condition
of the heart.
