"I'm happy but we just need to be patient" - Sonny Colbrelli hopeful of returning to peloton

Sonny Colbrelli is still undergoing medical examinations to discover if he will be capable of returning to the peloton, as he featured at the start of the Giro d'Italia of stage 16 for a public appearance close to home.

"I'm here, I'm fine. That's what matters now and health is the most important thing in this life," he told Eurosport. "I'm happy but we just need to be patient. That's the first thing they told me – to be patient, and I am. I tried to remain calm during these months of inactivity."

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The Italian suffered cardiac arrest after the finale of the opening stage of the Volta a Catalunya, and was later given a pacemaker that would restart his heart if he were to ever experience another episode again. He's back on the bike, albeit not allowed to take on any serious training until more is understood about his situation.

"There will come a time where we have some important tests to do and then we'll understand if I can return or if I need more days or even months of recovery," he said.

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As a habitant of northern Italy, it was an expected yet meaningful return to the TV screens as he was at the start of stage 16 in Salò. "I can't deny that when I got there I had to wipe away a tear because hugging my staff and teammates feels really good. I still feel like I'm among them and what can I say – those 50 or 60km will really be beautiful for me forever," Colbrelli added.

Whether he can be the one on the startline in the coming years is not yet known. But Colbrelli is fond of thinking in the bigger picture: "To tell the truth, when I wake up in the morning I just try to smile. I realise we're only here for a certain amount of time and I only have one chance. I'm lucky to be here," he concluded.