"It's a miracle I survived" - Alpecin rider explains aftermath of 2025 Giro d'Italia mass crash into Napoli

Alpecin-Premier Tech's Juri Hollmann had his career come to an end during stage 6 of the Giro d'Italia last year, after he was part of a mass crash that affected the stage. The German rider has talked about the extensive injuries he's suffered and how he was lucky to make it out alive.

The sixth day of the race was marked by a crash involving dozens of riders during a downhill section which although seemingly not technical, saw a very slippery road cause a mass crash. Several riders fell and the inability to brake in time led others to go down the same path. Jai Hindley and Jan Hirt were amongst those who crashed and suffered race-ending injuries alongside Holmann, but the now 26-year old was the worst affected of them all.

"I hit a traffic sign at 70 kilometers per hour. The doctors suspect my femur hit the sign, forcing it into my pelvis and causing a compound fracture," he said in 'The Dark Side of Cycling' documentary, shared by former pro and compatriot Rick Zabel.

Severe fractures to his pelvis and arm required serious medical attention, however his life was then in danger too after suffering a pulmonary embolism shortly after. "Blood clots had completely blocked my lungs. It was a close call. Honestly, it's a miracle I survived," he explains.

Throughout the summer and fall it looked evident that the German rider's career would be jeopardized due to the lengthy recover that would follow. 4 plates and 24 screws were inserted to stabilize the fractures in his body, and spent three months in a wheelchair besides having to be in several medical facilities for the recovery.

Only after the pulmonary embolism was removed could the shattered pelvis be operated on. After four plates and 24 screws, Hollmann had to stay in Antwerp for another five weeks before being transferred to Berlin for eight weeks of rehabilitation in a clinic.

In total, he was in a wheelchair for three months; only returning home in August and only managing to walk without crutches in October. However a return to pro cycling was not possible anymore, as the nerve damage he suffered only allows him to cycle up to two hours a day.

Hollmann continues to be part of the pro team but as a staff member now whilst also having the possibility to race off-road in one of Canyon's teams.