Carlos Quintero survives the Milan-San Remo crash
Carlos Quintero of Team Colombia-Coldeportes considers himself lucky to have survived the Milan-San Remo crash on Saturday.
The cyclist crashed in the final 78 kilometres of the race and was directly taken to the nearest hospital immediately.
UCI World Tour debutant side Team GreenEdge sealed the deal at the 298 kilometre race. Simon Gerrans helped the side with the second overall victory of the season.
He finished the race in a fastest time of 6 hours, 59 minutes and 24 seconds. Fabian Cancellara and Vincenzo Nibali secured the second and the third positions.
Gerrans was overwhelmed with the victory and thanked his team-mates for their endless efforts during the fourth World Tour race of the season.
He cited, "I still haven't realized what we actually did today, this is an amazing feeling to win this monument. The team rode perfectly, and we played our cards just the right way".
Carlos fractured his left clavicle and could not finish the race. He has today been cleared from the hospital with no further injuries.
Team doctor Massimiliano Mantovani watched the recorded video of the crash and briefed that the cyclist was fortunate to be alive.
Carlos noted, "I watched the video of my crash on YouTube, and it scared me, I only remember losing my line on the descent and then flying into a flower bed, nothing else.
"Thank God, I was as lucky as I was", he concluded.
The next two races for the team are Criterium International and Coppi e Bartali. Quintero will miss both the races as doctors have recommended him a minimum of 15 days rest.
The team has announced its final squad for the coming event.
Coppi e Bartali: Frank Osorio, Dalivier Ospina, Michael Rodriguez, Juan Pablo Suarez, Robinson Chalapud, Javier Gonzalez and Juan Pablo Forero.
Criterium International: Felipe Laverde, Wilson Marentes, Jarlinson Pantano, Victor Hugo Peña and Jeffry Romero, Darwin Atapuma, Esteban Chaves and Fabio Duarte.
However, the team is hopeful that its star rider will support them through April. He is hopeful to return back to professional scene at the Las Fleche Wallonne, Tour of Turkey and Giro del Trentino.
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