16-year-old Visma-linked rider seriously injured in traffic accident, long-term consequences unclear

Yanis Berthoud, a 16-year-old Swiss rider who races for JEGG-Skil-DJR, the junior team partnered with Visma | Lease a Bike, was involved in a serious traffic accident in Switzerland on Tuesday. The young rider collided with the rear of a car and suffered serious injuries, with the exact long-term consequences still unclear.

News of the accident involving Berthoud, who finished 22nd in this year's junior Paris-Roubaix, was shared through his fan club. "Last Tuesday, Yanis was involved in a serious cycling accident during a training ride, in which he collided with the back of a car."

"Yanis is being treated in the intensive care unit at CHUV [Lausanne University Hospital]. He has suffered multiple injuries, particularly to his spinal cord. We will keep you informed about how his condition develops as soon as we have new information to share."

Berthoud's father, Eric, provided further information to Swiss newspaper La Liberté. His son remained conscious after the accident but soon indicated that he could no longer feel his legs. "His condition has been stabilized in Lausanne. Yanis has undergone two operations since Tuesday and has now been transferred to Nottwil."

Nottwil is home to the Swiss Paraplegic Centre, which specializes in the treatment and rehabilitation of people with spinal cord injuries. The facility does not normally admit patients under the age of 18, but an exception was made for Berthoud, who is approaching his 17th birthday, because of his physical development.

The updates remain concerning. "There is edema, which has caused swelling around the spinal cord. It will take several weeks, or perhaps even several months, for that to subside," his father told La Liberté. Only once the swelling has reduced will doctors be able to assess the possible neurological consequences of the accident.

Everyone at IDL Procycling would like to wish Yanis Berthoud, his father Eric, the rest of his family and friends, and everyone at JEGG-Skil-DJR strength during the months ahead.