Cyclist Ian Crane, who suffered a dramatic crash that sent him through the rear window of a car in the caravan at the USA Pro Challenge’s final stage, is leaving St. Anthony’s Hospital on Friday for Seattle to continue his recovery there.
The move will bring the 24-year-old rider, who was competing in his first year professionally for American team Jamis-Hagens Berman, closer to home.
“Ian’s recovery and the doctors are amazed at where he already is,” his sister, Tela Crane, said in a statement. “He passed his cognitive evaluations with flying colors (Thursday). He still has a long road ahead of him, but all signs point to a full recovery.”
It’s been nearly two weeks since the Aug. 24 crash on Colorado Highway 93. Crane had been making his way through caravan vehicles back to the main field of riders on the Boulder-to-Denver stage after a small earlier crash when a group of team cars — which provide support to riders on the course — abruptly stopped, sending him through the rear windshield of a Team Cannondale car. He was riding behind them on a section of the course under siege from heavy crosswinds — one of the most difficult conditions cyclists can face on course.
Crane, , was airlifted in critical condition from the scene to the hospital within 20 minutes. He suffered brain trauma, severe facial lacerations and broken bones.
Daniel Petty: 303-954-1081, dpetty@denverpost.com or twitter.com/danielpetty
