Team release update on Tony Martin condition following collision with car

Omega Pharma-Quick-Step has revealed that world time trial champion Tony Martin will not have to undergo surgery on the fractures to bones in his face, shoulder and arm he sustained when he crashed into a car while on a training ride near his home in Switzerland last Wednesday.

In a statement released yesterday, the Belgian team said that the 26-year-old German, who joined in the close season from the now defunct HTC Highroad team, is now recovering at his home following treatment at Zurich University Hospital for his injuries, including "several facial fractures" and "a small fracture in his left shoulder blade and upper arm."

The team added that "Because of the nature of the fractures, Tony Martin won't need surgery."

Martin himself said: "My feeling today is much better than the last two days" Martin said. "I am happy that the fractures won't need surgery. I'm at home now. For me it's really important.

"The day of the accident I was thinking - why has this happened to me? - but now I have to say I was lucky, it could have been much worse. I had a great medical staff around me.

He continued: "I would like to thank all the medical staff for their great job and the team medical staff. My family was always with me and I felt the affection of many people close to me.

"My first objective now is to take all the time necessary to heal well. I thank all those who with their messages gave me a support in these difficult days. I really appreciate them."

Omega Pharma-Quick Step, which also has Levi Leipheimer sidelined due to the innjuries he received when he was struck by a car while training for the Tour of the Basque Country a fortnight ago, added: "The return of Tony to training will not be immediate and will depend on how his clinical situation evolves."