Team Sky’s Ben Swift out of intensive care after last week’s training crash

Team Sky’s Ben Swift is out of intensive care following the crash on Tenefire last week that resulted in him being hospitalised with a ruptured spleen and other injuries.

Writing on Twitter yesterday, Swift, who rejoined the British outfit this season after two years at UAE Team Emirates, said: “Making good improvements. Got transferred from ICU last night. Got a TV and a room with a view.

“Had some water for the first time and took a few little steps to the shower. Facial wounds are better than expected.”

The crash happened last Wednesday when Swift clipped a rock while out on a training ride with team-mate and friend Geraint Thomas.

The 31-year-old was taken to the Hospital Universitario de Canarias that afternoon, with Team Sky issuing an update on his condition later that day.

Team doctor Inigo Sarriegui said at the time: “Swifty suffered quite a heavy crash whilst out training. Thankfully though, he didn’t lose consciousness and was aware of the incident afterwards.

“We will continue to monitor him over the coming days, but 24 hours on from the crash he is already feeling better."

Yesterday, Swift was well enough to watch the Wales vs England Guinness 6 Nations match on TV –hopefully, Welshman and huge rugby fan Thomas was gentle with the teasing when his prediction of the result probed wide of the mark.

 

 

 

 

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Mega little set up to watch England beat Wales. Finally can drink my Appletiser that @geraintthomas86 brought me yesterday

A post shared by Ben Swift (@swiftybswift) on Feb 23, 2019 at 9:08am PST

There is no indication as yet as to when Swift will return to training, although the injury is a big setback to a spring campaign that most likely have included him being one of Team Sky’s leading hopes for Milan-San Remo.

He has finished on the podium twice of the Italian early season Monument twice, both times in Team Sky’s colours – coming third in 2014, and second two years later.