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May 20, 2009: Christian Vande Velde, who crashed out of the Giro d’Italia during stage three, continues to undergo medical evaluation and as anticipated, additional imaging studies have revealed the extent of his injuries. Conclusive results show that he sustained a total of six fractures, including three vertebrae fractures (spinous processes), a pelvic fracture and two rib fractures.

“Christian sustained a significant impact and the additional imaging results uncovered more fractures, which is not uncommon,” said team physician Prentice Steffen. “The good news is, we now know the extent of his injuries and are working with him on his recovery. He just needs to take it day by day.”

Vande Velde, who was going about 62 kilometers per hour when he crashed, remains cautiously optimistic: “I feel better every day,” he said. “I understand that it is going to take a lot of work to come back from this, but I’m feeling positive. It is too soon to say when I’ll be racing again but I am incredibly motivated by my family, my team and our supporters.”

Vande Velde will continue to undergo treatment at his home in Girona. Please check the Team Garmin-Slipstream Web site for continued updates on his progress.