Kristina Vogel undergoes spinal surgery after training crash
Wednesday 27 June 2018 18:43, UK
Double Olympic champion Kristina Vogel has undergone an operation on her spine after an accident in training on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old German, who has won 11 world titles, collided with a Dutch male cyclist in a velodrome in Cottbus, the German cycling federation (BDR) said.
Federation head Patrick Moster said Vogel had been airlifted to Berlin for intensive care.
This is not the first time Vogel has been hospitalised with serious injuries suffered while cycling.
She spent two days in an artificial coma after colliding with a vehicle in 2009, an incident that left her with severe facial injuries.
Vogel won Olympic gold in London in 2012 in the team sprint, and added the individual title to her collection in Rio in 2016.
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has since expressed its sympathy in a statement released on Wednesday.
"We are all shocked by what has happened to Kristina, an outstanding champion and an ambassador for the discipline, for women in sport and for German cycling," said the UCI President David Lappartient.
"Over and above her talent and her fighting spirit, her jovial character and vitality means she is an athlete that is liked and respected by all.
"Our thoughts are with her and we extend our support to her in these difficult moments. We are convinced that the qualities that have made her a champion will help her face up to this ordeal with strength and determination."
