Published May 30, 2011 07:49PM
GREENVILLE, South Carolina (VN) – Jeremy Powers was recovering Monday evening from injuries sustained in a crash early in the U.S. pro road championships. The Jelly Belly-Kenda rider was thought to have broken ribs in a crash that caught him from behind.
“I seriously feel really lucky that I didn’t break anything,” Powers told VeloNews. “I bruised my ribs pretty good; my chest is black and blue. I have a big hematoma on my left leg and road rash everywhere.”
Powers was taken down from behind on the first of four 22.5-mile circuits near Greenville.
“I hit the deck hard and didn’t know it was coming,” said Powers. “I think a rider’s shifter or bar hooked under my saddle and pulled me down.”
After he rode to the start/finish in the broom wagon, medical staff transported Powers to an area hospital for x-rays on his ribs and a potential collarbone fracture.
Powers said he was unable to bear weight on his injured left leg, but hoped to be back training soon.
“I just have to wait and make sure the swelling go down,” he said. “It comes down to when I feel OK. It could be one week or two weeks. I don’t know, but my left leg needs some serious massage.”
Powers will fly home to Massachusetts Tuesday.