Julian Mertens (Bingoal WB) in coma after a training accident

Belgian cyclist Julian Mertens is in an artificial coma in the hospital of Antwerp. His team Bingoal WB reports that 25-year-old Mertens has suffered various injuries during a training ride.

“Julian, suffering from various injuries, was taken to Antwerp University Hospital (UZA) where he was placed in an artificial coma to better manage the consequences of the accident during training. Further investigations still need to be done,” writes Bingoal WB in a short statement.

The Belgian ProTeam says that further details about Mertens' condition will be released at a later date.

Mertens was picked up by Bingoal WB after two years with Sport Vlaanderen - Baloise, having raced for Lotto's the development team previously. Among best results for Mertens is 11th at Dwars door het Hageland last year, or top 3 overall at popular U23 race Ronde de l'Isard from 2019.