Peter Stetina's surgery performed in Bilbao, Spain, Thursday to repair injuries sustained in a crash at Vuelta al Pais Vasco was successful, said BMC Racing Team Chief Medical Officer Dr. Max Testa.

Stetina and teammate Darwin Atapuma were two of more than half a dozen riders who were hurt in the pile-up that happened Monday in the last 400 meters of the opening stage of the Spanish race.

Stetina broke his right leg in two places and broke four ribs. Atapuma cut his left knee but was able to start the next day.

The crash happened when several riders struck meter-high metal poles near the curb lane. The incident - and concerns over rider safety - led the peloton to stage a five-minute protest before Stage 2.

Dr. Testa said Stetina is recovering well after undergoing surgery to repair his broken tibia and patella.

"The surgery was successful," Dr. Testa said. "The knee specialist who performed the surgery was very happy with the result. At this point in time, we are expecting approval from the treating medical team to move Peter back to the United States. His first stop will be at the Park City Medical Center, where he will be reassessed by Dr. Eric Heiden before starting his rehab program toward full recovery. However, we all know that given the nature of the injury, it will take a few months of rehabilitation and training before he will return to competition."