Pro cyclist knocked out by punch from road rage driver

EF Education First-Drapac rider Daniel Martinez has spent the night in hospital in Tuscany after being punched by a motorist while he was training with team mates near Pistoia.

The Colombian rider reportedly suffered amnesia following the incident, which happened on Tuesday morning.

Update: @danifmartinez96 was training today with a group, which was buzzed by a car. Martinez was later punched by the driver, along with another cyclist. Martinez was taken to hospital, where he remains under observation but is in good condition.

— EF Education First - Drapac p/b Cannondale (@Ride_Argyle) March 27, 2018

“I was training in Italy and a car nearly killed us,” the 21-year-old told El Tiempo. “We complained and he [the driver] went mad.

“He got out and attacked me. He punched me on the jaw, knocking me out.

“He cut another guy’s lip then ran off,” added Martinez, who finished eighth overall at the Volta a Catalunya last week.

Italian former pro Michele Bartoli, who coaches Martinez, told Cycling News: "There was some kind of altercation with a motorist while the guys were out training.

"I've called Dani, he seems OK and he recognised my voice but admitted that he can't remember anything from the last few months, including his recent good ride at the Volta a Catalunya or his move from Wilier to EF Education First.

“He’s in hospital for further checks," Bartoli added.