Matt Brammeier has returned home following his accident at the Tour of Utah. The Irishman sustained severe injuries in a collision with a race vehicle when descending from Guardsman Pass in Big Cottonwood Canyon. He was immediately transported to hospital by ambulance where he underwent several check-ups.
 

The injuries Brammeier sustained are significant, as he suffered fractures of the sacral and pelvic bones, as well as rib fractures on both sides, a bruised liver and fractured tooth. A small pneumothorax is resolved. Matt and the team want to thank the staff at the University of Utah Trauma centre who took great care of him. He is now back in Great Britain where he will undergo further treatment.

At the moment it is not certain when he’ll make his return. “We don’t expect him back on a bike for at least the next 6 – 8 weeks”, says team doctor Jarrad van Zuydam, who’s focus is on a full recovery to allow Brammeier a return to racing at the top level. The Irishman himself is already focusing on 2016: “It’s looking like my season is well and truly over, so I’m looking forward to return hungry in 2016.”

"Matt arrived home safely and is recovering well," van Zuydam said. "He will be getting about on crutches for the next few weeks to allow his pelvic fractures to heal. His chest injuries are not as severe as was first feared and his pain is already far better. We don’t expect him back on a bike for at least the next 6 – 8 weeks but we are confident that he will make a full recovery and a return to racing at the top level."

"The last days have been tough as you can imagine but I’m starting to feel better already," Brammeier said. "I had some extraordinary care over in Salt Lake City and can’t thank all of the staff at the University of Utah Trauma centre enough.

"I’m still in a fair bit of pain, but over all, considering what I just hobbled away from I can’t grumble for one second. I’m just happy to be in one piece and to be back home with my family and Fiancée and looking forward to starting my recovery process already. I’ve had one of my most enjoyable years of my life this year with the team and I can’t thank them enough for all they have done for me so far."