Professional off-road cyclist Howard Grotts was seriously injured during the final stage of the Breck Epic mountain bike race on Friday.
Grotts was leading the pro men’s overall field on the sixth and final stage of the Colorado race. About a mile from the finish, other riders found Grotts unconscious by the side of the trail. Every rider in the pro men’s field stopped at the scene to assist.
Lance Haidet was one of the first riders to encounter Grotts on the trail. He said that the next two riders down were quickly dispatched to alert the nearest course marshal with a radio.
Breck Epic race medics subsequently arrived on scene within 10 minutes, followed by local emergency services and Summit County Search and Rescue. Grotts regained consciousness as help arrived and was oriented to himself and the situation.
Grotts was then airlifted to St Anthony’s in Denver where the severity of his injuries could be fully evaluated and treated. He was reported to have extensive injuries to his back, spine, ribs, clavicle and scapula. According to friends and family, he had surgery on Saturday.
Breck Epic race director Mike McCormack has set up a GoFundMe campaign to assist with Grotts’ medical expenses.
Velo will update this story as more information becomes available.