Filippo Baroncini remains in coma but flown home to Italy as UAE rider begins delicate recovery after Tour de Pologne crash

Filippo Baroncini has been transferred back to Italy this morning, Sunday 10 August, where he will continue treatment following the serious injuries sustained during stage 2 of the 2025 Tour de Pologne. The 24-year-old remains in a medically induced coma, but is in stable condition as he begins what will likely be a long and delicate recovery process.

Baroncini, riding for UAE Team Emirates - XRG, was among the worst affected in a mass crash that brought stage 2 of the Polish stage race to a standstill. The collision, which occurred just 20 kilometres from the finish, left multiple riders requiring medical attention, including race leader Paul Lapeira and general classification contender Mathias Vacek. But it was the sight of Baroncini, motionless and wedged against a roadside wall, that left the peloton visibly shaken.

Teammates and rivals alike spoke with concern in the immediate aftermath. Lidl-Trek’s Jacopo Mosca, who witnessed the crash firsthand, offered an emotional account: “It was a horrible scene to witness. I saw him lying completely still. I was just relieved to see he was breathing, because it really could have been a tragedy.”

Initial medical reports confirmed the gravity of Baroncini’s injuries. The young Italian suffered multiple facial fractures, a fractured clavicle, and a cervical vertebra injury — though crucially, with no neurological damage. In the days following the incident, he was treated in the intensive care unit of the hospital in Wałbrzych, Poland, under deep sedation to minimise movement and allow for stabilisation of his fractured facial structure.

The decision to maintain the induced coma was made to ensure absolute immobility and give the best chance of recovery. UAE Team Emirates sporting director Mauro Gianetti moved quickly to reassure fans that while Baroncini’s condition was serious, his life was not in danger. “He did not sustain any damage to any vital organs during the crash,” Gianetti told Tuttobiciweb. “Filippo’s condition is stable. He is in an induced coma as doctors continue to monitor and manage the situation very carefully.”

This morning (August 10th), Alessandro Brambilla has revealed to Tuttosport that after consultation with medical teams and his family, Baroncini was flown to Italy aboard a medical flight, where he will now be cared for by specialists at a facility closer to home. The transfer was carried out under intensive medical supervision, with the rider still intubated and under sedation.

This latest development offers no change in Baroncini’s critical condition, but signals a new phase in his recovery. The move to Italy allows for closer collaboration between the UAE Team Emirates medical staff and local experts, and places the rider in a familiar environment as his condition continues to be monitored around the clock.

At this stage, the cycling community can only wait — and hope. The road ahead for Baroncini remains uncertain, but the coordinated efforts of medical professionals and the unwavering support from his team, fans, and fellow riders serve as a reminder of the resilience that underpins this sport. For now, thoughts remain with Filippo Baroncini, his family, and those closest to him, as they face the difficult days to come.