Dutch rider recuperating from injuries sustained in accident on training ride.

Accident-prone Dutch rider, Johnny Hoogerland, left hospital on Sunday and has returned home to make a complete recovery. The Vacansoleil-DCM rider, who was critically hurt when hit by car while on a training ride in Mallorca a fortnight ago, aims to be back in the saddle near the beginning of May.

After his incident, Hoogerland spent a few days in intensive care unit with five broken ribs, fractures in his spine and liver injuries. Subsequently, he returned to his native Netherlands on Wednesday.

His comeback to active racing depends on the speed of his liver making a full recovery. Hoogerland himself anticipates training for up to six weeks before racing again sometime in May.

According to plans made by Hoogerland and the medical team at Vacansoleil, Hoogerland will spend this week recuperating and then slowly commence his healing. “I am delighted to be able to return home and will begin with walking and exercises from the physiotherapist,” he was quoted as saying on the team website.

Team manager Daan Luijkx is eager to have his rider back again, but is willing to take the needed time. “Of course we will miss him this spring, but he's motivated and in good hands to get up there again soon.” Hoogeland will have not only the help of the team doctors and coaches, but also a mental coach and dietitian “to bring him back so that he can show what he is capable of as a rider.”