Stig Broeckx has severe brain damage - Lotto Soudal
Last Updated: 25/06/16 11:38am
Lotto Soudal have stated their rider Stig Broeckx suffered severe brain damage in a crash at the Tour of Belgium last month.
The 26-year-old Belgian has been in a coma at a hospital in Genk since he was seriously injured in a mass pile-up caused by a collision between two race motorbikes during the third stage of the race.
He initially underwent surgery to relieve pressure on his head injuries and doctors this week attempted to get him out of coma, but there was no response.
A statement posted on Lotto Soudal's official website on Saturday read: "The past days the neurosurgical team of the hospital in Genk has reduced the medication of Stig in an attempt to get him out of coma. Unfortunately Stig doesn't respond to stimuli like sound or movement.
"The doctors confirm that Stig has incurred severe brain damage, in the brain stem and different brain regions. He is now in a vegetative state. At the moment it is difficult to predict if the consciousness can partially come back.
"Out of respect for the family there won't be any further comments."
