Jonny Bellis's recovery continues

Jonny Bellis, the up-and-coming British cyclist critically injured in a scooter accident in Italy last month is “doing really well” according to British Cycling, and is now communicating with the aid of a whiteboard and could be flown back to London soon.

The 21-year-old Manxman, who has just finished his first year with Saxo Bank, had been placed in a medically-induced coma for several weeks following the crash which took place close to the British cycling academy near Quarrata, Tuscany.

The accident happened just days before September's UCI World Road Championships, in which Bellis had been due to compete.. Updates on his condition in recent weeks suggest that he is making a slow but steady recovery.

Bellis is one of the hottest prospects in British Cycling and despite his youth competed in the Olympic road race in Beijing last year. He is also an accomplished track cyclist having won junior and under-23 European titles.