Cycling team ProTeam’s rider Arnaud De Lie has undergone successful surgery on his left collarbone after a hard crash during the opening stage of the 4 Jours de Dunkerque race. De Lie also suffered other injuries, including a fractured rib, sternum, pneumothorax, and abrasions. He is expected to remain in the hospital for one night before returning home on Saturday to begin his recovery process.
Team doctor Ronald Sneijers commented on the surgery, saying, “The surgery has been successful, but Arnaud will stay one more night in the hospital because of the pneumothorax. It will take some time before he can get back on the bike. Next week, there will be a check-up on the pneumothorax in the hospital.”
Due to the severity of De Lie’s injuries, it is unclear when he will be able to return to competition. “Arnaud doesn’t have one fracture, but multiple ones,” says Sneijers. “We expect him to be out of competition for at least six weeks. We need to be careful with the pneumothorax, and the sternum will also take time to heal. Our priority is to let the injuries heal before considering his return to racing.”
